OKC Standard

In Washington, D.C., members of the bipartisan House Paid Family Leave Working Group released two discussion drafts aimed at expanding paid family leave for more families. The group is co-chaired by Representatives Stephanie Bice (R-OK) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), with additional members including Representatives Colin Allred (D-TX), Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (R-IA), Haley Stevens (D-MI), and Julia Letlow (R-LA).

The two drafts mark the culmination of efforts in the 118th Congress and aim to provide guidance for states to establish paid family leave programs using a public-private partnership model. Additionally, they propose a convening body to help states coordinate benefits.

Feedback from stakeholders is welcomed until January 10, 2025, via email.

The first bill introduced is the Paid Family Leave Public-Private Partnerships Act. It proposes a competitive grant program managed by the U.S. Department of Labor to incentivize states to create their own paid family leave systems with private partnerships. States must meet criteria such as providing a minimum wage replacement rate and six weeks of paid leave to qualify for grants.

The second bill, known as the Interstate Paid Leave Action Network Act or I-PLAN Act, aims to harmonize state-paid leave benefits across borders by creating connections similar to those in unemployment insurance programs. This would facilitate easier access to paid family leave across different states.

Various members expressed their support for these initiatives:

Congresswoman Bice stated that after two years of effort, these drafts represent "a significant step forward."

Congresswoman Houlahan emphasized that "the American people have waited too long" for solutions on this issue.

Congresswoman Miller-Meeks highlighted the need for flexible solutions without federal mandates.

Congressman Allred underscored the importance of parents having access to paid family leave.

Congresswoman Letlow spoke about improving coordination among state programs through an interstate agreement.

Congresswoman Stevens noted that paid leave allows both workers and the economy to thrive.

Michele Stockwell from Bipartisan Policy Center Action supported both acts as steps toward operational efficiency and harmony among state programs.

Senator Cassidy praised his colleagues' efforts in moving forward discussions on this topic.

Senator Gillibrand expressed her encouragement over advancing solutions for universal paid leave in future Congress sessions.

This working group was initiated in January 2023 with support from various organizations like the Bipartisan Policy Center. Their mission remains focused on delivering enduring policy solutions that increase access to paid family leave across America.