Caring for one’s self and family should not come with negative consequences and no one should have to choose between their family and a paycheck, their health, and their work. A national paid leave policy will provide a safety net for families while aiding in economic recovery.

The U.S. is now in the best position to implement a national paid leave policy to support working families. The pandemic has proven that we were unprepared, as there was no way to ensure job security when an employee is faced with an unforeseen family emergency or medical circumstance.

A national paid leave policy is long overdue in the United States. We now have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to pass a national paid family and medical leave policy that would lift up all American workers and families. If we truly want to build back better, we can’t afford not to act. Implementing policy is the key to the long-term health, stability, and prosperity of our country.