OKC Standard

Rep. Stephanie Bice has joined forces with Representatives Randy Feenstra and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez to introduce the Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act. This legislation aims to assist small businesses in providing paid family and medical leave (PFML) to their employees by extending and reforming the 45S tax credit. Originally part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, this credit was extended through 2025.

U.S. Senators Deb Fischer and Angus King have presented similar legislation in the Senate.

"The 45S tax credit, first implemented under the Trump administration, has been instrumental in helping many employers expand paid family leave benefits for their workers. However, awareness and uptake of this credit have been lower than we’d like," stated Rep. Bice. "This legislation, which I’m pleased to introduce alongside my colleagues, will improve the credit, make it more flexible, increase employer awareness, and make the tax credit permanent."

Rep. Feenstra emphasized the importance of PFML as a crucial support system for workers dealing with medical conditions or new family additions: "Paid family and medical leave (PFML) is a lifeline for workers when facing a medical condition or welcoming a newborn into the world." He added that without congressional action, many policies including this provision would expire at year-end.

Senator Fischer highlighted the role of working families in driving economic growth: "America’s working families drive our economy forward and strengthen our communities." She stressed that families should not be forced to choose between income and caregiving responsibilities.

Senator King echoed these sentiments: "I have often said that Maine is one big town with long roads...no one should have to choose between caring for our families or receiving the next paycheck." He supports making the PFML tax credit permanent.

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez noted that maintaining strong families contributes to robust communities: "Taking care of your health, newborn, or family when they’re most in need shouldn’t come at the cost of paying the bills."

The proposed bill seeks to enhance access to PFML by expanding eligibility criteria for small businesses using insurance companies or operating under state mandates. It also aims to reduce employment duration requirements from one year to six months for claiming credits, thereby supporting younger employees starting families.

Statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate disparities in PFML access based on business size; over 41% of employees at larger firms benefit from PFML compared to just 20% at smaller businesses.

Further details on this legislative proposal are available in its full text.