[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 51 (Friday, April 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E673-E674]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          INTRODUCTION OF FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE ENHANCEMENT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 8, 2011

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, at a time when the American people are 
asking Congress to help create more jobs, it is equally important to 
put in place policies that create a positive workplace environment. 
That is why today I am introducing the Family Medical Leave Enhancement 
Act.
  Eighteen years ago, President Clinton signed into law the Family and 
Medical Leave Act (FMLA, P.L. 103-3), legislation that allows employees 
to take time off from work to care

[[Page E674]]

for a new baby or sick family member. Federal workplace policies have 
not kept pace with the growing need to fit work commitments with the 
sometimes conflicting needs of children and elderly parents. This is 
especially so given the continued increase of women in the workforce. 
It's time to enhance this landmark legislation.
  In our current economic recovery, many families are finding both 
their budgets and their time strained. The legislation I introduced 
today would enhance the FMLA by providing up to 24 hours of unpaid 
Parental Involvement and Family Wellness leave (during any 12-month 
period), which will allow parents and grandparents to go to parent-
teacher conferences or to take their children, grandchildren or other 
family members to the doctor for regular medical or dental 
appointments. The bill also expands coverage to allow employees in 
companies with more than 25 employees to take family and medical leave.
  If we as a country truly value families, then we need new policies 
and investments that support our working families. I urge my colleagues 
to support this legislation.

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