[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 5704-5705]
[From the U.S. 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 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

[[Page 5705]]

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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