Paid family leave benefits families and companies

The lack of paid family leave makes having a baby one of the leading causes of poverty. In such a rich nation that is unacceptable.

The real wealth of a nation is in how we take care of our children. You need only look at Scandinavian countries to see how they value children. Lack of paid family and medical leave disproportionately impacts women. Women make up 50 percent of the workforce. One in 4 employed women return to work just two weeks after giving birth, which has dramatic implications for the health and well-being of mother and child.

Businesses with paid family leave have higher productivity, retention and lower re-training costs. It is a win-win for everyone. Please value children and family and urge our legislatures to implement paid family leave for Washington state.

Elli Harron

Grapeview