[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 94 (Monday, June 24, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1152]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   THE PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT LEAVE ACT

                                 ______


                        HON. PATRICIA SCHROEDER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 24, 1996

  Mrs. SCHROEDER. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the Parental 
Involvement Leave Act of 1996.
  There is no greater cause for this country than to strengthen the 
family. When we invest in children and families it provides dividends 
for life.
  President Clinton and Vice President Gore know this to be true. In 
fact, they are in Nashville with their wives hosting a conference on 
families. So it is fitting that today I introduce the Parental 
Involvement Leave Act, legislation that strengthens the family.
  This bill provides families with two very important benefits that 
will help assure the continued success of the American family. First, 
it expands coverage of the Family and Medical Leave Act to businesses 
with 25 or more employees. The Commission On Family and Medical Leave 
reports that the law is working well for millions of workers and their 
families. Two-thirds of covered employers have expanded their policies 
to come into compliance with FMLA. And the great majority of companies 
reported no or only minor new costs. Business have even seen increased 
productivity and lower worker turnover as a result of the FMLA.
  Second, it gives parents 3 days of unpaid leave a year to attend 
activities related to their children's education.
  Studies show that parental involvement is a key ingredient in a 
child's education. When families learn together, children learn better. 
In fact, one of the most accurate predictors of a student's achievement 
in school is not income or social status, but the extent to which 
parents are involved in that student's education.
  Moreover, the schools and communities also profit when families get 
involved. Research on families and education has found that: families 
make critical contributions to student achievement, from earliest 
childhood through high school.
  When parents are involved at school, not just at home, children do 
better in school and they stay in school longer. The more the 
relationship between the family and the school approaches a 
comprehensive, well-planned partnership, the higher the student 
achievement.
  But it is much harder today for families to find the time to 
participate in school activities.
  The nostalgic ``Ozzie and Harriet'' image no longer represents the 
average American family. Today, only 7 percent of American families fit 
the 1950's image of breadwinner father, homemaker mother, and two 
children. Half of all children will spend time in a single-parent 
household. Moreover, 81 percent of single mothers work full time to 
support their children.
  With more dual-income families, it is harder for parents to get time 
off to meet with teachers or attend their children's soccer games. In a 
survey of PTA leaders, 89 percent cite the lack of time as the biggest 
roadblock to parental involvement.
  Under the bill, parents can take leave to participate in or attend an 
activity that is sponsored by a school or a community organization. 
Parents with children in child care through high school are eligible. 
Parents will have the flexibility to take leave a few hours at a time 
or longer. Federal employees are also covered under this bill.
  With all of the Federal cuts in education, the question is how can we 
help families that want to be more involved with their kid's education? 
It is time for this Congress to take a stand for kids. I hope you will 
join me in sponsoring the Parental Involvement Leave Act and allow 
parents to make a real investment in their children's education.

                          ____________________