Dick Durbin: “last Friday, America celebrated the 23rd anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act--landmark legislation that…”

“last Friday, America celebrated the 23rd anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act--landmark legislation that transformed American workplaces for the better. I am deeply proud to have voted for this bill in 1993 when I served in the House of Representatives. This bipartisan legislation was a major victory for many working families, providing workers the ability to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for family needs. This meant working parents could take care of their newborns without fear of losing their jobs and sources of income. Workers could care for an ailing family member or care for their own serious health conditions without having to worry about whether they would be able to come back to their careers. Before the Family and Medical Leave Act, being a working parent meant having to choose between your job and taking care of yourself and your family. Today, thanks to this legislation, this attitude has changed for many families. Since 1993, American workers have used the leave provided by the Family and Medical Leave Act more than 200 million times. This legislation has helped balance workplace demands with family needs for millions of hard-working men and women across the country. And there is no doubt that these are achievements we should all be proud of. But we need to do more.…”