Email Update: Father's Day

Statement

As a proud dad and son, I want to take a moment to wish my own father and all my fellow fathers a Happy Father's Day.

I'm thankful this day and every day for my daughter, Sydra, and the tremendous joy she has brought to my life. But as many parents know, raising a child isn't always easy.

When our daughter was born, she was premature and needed extra care and attention in her early months. We both had to take time off from work to look after her.

We were lucky. My wife Janine was able to take time away from medical school, and my employer at the time gave me paid time off.

But many families are not nearly as fortunate. In fact according to the National Partnership for Women and Families, just 13 percent of the workforce has paid family leave through their employers, and less than 40 percent has personal medical leave through an employer-provided temporary disability program.

Neither fathers nor mothers should have to choose between caring for a sick child and keeping their jobs. Paid family leave is critical for helping fathers, mothers, and families balance their responsibilities.

That's why I'm strongly supporting the Family and Medical Insurance Leave Act (or the FAMILY Act). This bill would partially pay workers for up to 12 weeks when someone needs sick or parental leave.

This is just one critical step that we can take to build a stronger families, a stronger middle class, and a stronger economy.

And again, Happy Father's Day.

Be well,

Ami Bera, M.D.
Member of Congress

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