Haley Stevens: “earlier today, Senator Dodd and I introduced the Family Leave Insurance Act of 2007, which builds upon important…”

“earlier today, Senator Dodd and I introduced the Family Leave Insurance Act of 2007, which builds upon important protections established by the Family and Medical Leave Act, FMLA, of 1993. Our legislation would provide 8 weeks of paid benefits to private and Federal employees who take leave for reasons permitted by the FMLA. These include a serious health condition; care for a critically ill child, spouse, or parent; and the birth or adoption of a child. Benefits would be provided to workers based on their annual income level. As an example, those earning less than $20,000 per year would receive 100 percent of their benefits, while those earning $60,000 to $97,000 would receive 40 percent. This scaled approach has two advantages: it will keep program costs low, and offer the greatest help to those who need it most. In the past, many have expressed apprehension over the costs associated with family and medical leave. These concerns are valid, and steps must be taken to ensure neither employees nor employers are burdened by this or any similar program. As introduced, this insurance fund would be financed by employees, employers, and the Federal Government. Employees would contribute 0.2 percent of their earnings, employers would match this percentage, and the Federal Government would pay any administrative expenses not covered by those payments. In truth, these costs are minimal for all involved.”