Cassidy Introduces Bill to Allow Paid Medical Leave

Press Release

Today, Rep. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) introduced a bill that would allow part-time and full-time individuals to receive paid medical leave in order to care for a new child, an ill family member, an injured service member, or to address issues due to a family member's deployment.

Dr. Cassidy is introducing the House companion bill to the Strong Families Act, a U.S. Senate bill introduced by Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Angus King (I-ME). The bill creates a tax credit for employers who offer at least four weeks of paid leave, counted in addition to any state-based Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) paid leave. Employers can receive a 25 percent nonrefundable tax credit for each hour of paid leave that is offered to employees. It also ensures that employees will not be discouraged from or discriminated against for taking the paid leave. The option for employers to offer the paid leave is voluntary, not mandatory.

Dr. Cassidy offered the following statement:

"As a doctor, I have seen how difficult it can often be for my patients, or the family members of those patients, to care for their loved ones. Full and part time workers should have the ability to take paid leave to care for their newborn, ill parent or injured service member, without jeopardizing their job or the worrying about how they will be able to pay their bills. Employers can take advantage of this if they choose, in exchange for a tax credit. Family comes first."

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