MomsRising is a grassroots organization that fights for equal rights for families. They campaign continuously for healthcare for all children, realistic wages, flexible work schedules, and maternity and paternity leave, to name just a few.
MomsRising groups are popping up in neighborhoods across the US. These community groups help create new ideas and lobby local politicians to to improve laws by state legislature that affect children and families.
The Power of the ONEsie campaign, which started in Washington State, is an impactful display of baby onesies that represent individuals who support the Family Leave Insurance bill but cannot take the time off from work or away from their families to be at the capital in person. The bill is designed to enable both parents to take paid time off from work when a child is born. The bill was passed in the House Appropriations Committee recently and the response to the ONEsie campaign has been encouraging. MomsRising and its volunteers plan to continue to lobby in Washington State, and to support those other states that also want to help pass the Family Leave Insurance bill.
Do you agree with the need for this type of leave and the aim of the Bill? Is this acceptable for those in the workforce who do not have children?
Both parents getting leave is such a wonderful idea. This is the first I'm hearing of this Bill. Maternity leaves definitely should be longer also. I feel like we are a nation of workaholics and if we aren't by nature then we are forced to be by our employers. We need to slow down, enjoy life, and be with our families more.
lockliss::
on May 19, 2007
I have been a stay at home mom since for 6 years. My husband was unaware of the family leave act when we had our first child. When we had our second child, he took the family leave act for 2 weeks, but could have taken off a month (he has over 400 sick hours)
lyriczntunes::
on May 23, 2007
These "family" oriented bills are a must if we as a country plan to change the current wrongs with society. Family is not nearly as important as it should be to
"Corporate" America. Futhermore, The Family Medical Leave Act only refers to companies who fall under certain "guidelines" such as employee number and there is nothing that stipulates the time off has to be paid. Another issue that is not addressed is if a pregnancy becomes high-risk thus affecting a woman's ability to work even prior to the birth of her baby. Why should a woman have to choose between unemployment and the life of her unborn child? Let's face it, we need more legislation that is "family" friendly. Over the years, family has taken a backseat in our country. Wages do not pay enough to offset the cost of living, healthcare costs are over the top, education funding is down, drug and alcohol use is up, crime is up, neglect and abuse of children is up, divorce rate is up, and community support for families is down. We used to be a country who looked out for each other and now we are a country who fear each other or we are completely placid to the needs of each other. I support the work ONEsies is doing and it is long overdue that we stood up and demanded change from our government concerning the needs and issues of families. If we do not speak for families and children, who will?
sharman421::
on May 26, 2007
Both parents having maternity leave is only right! They both have the child and one shouldn't be more important than the other. More companies and job facilities should cater in other ways to couples with infants and young children as well. Working parents should be able to see their child at any time.
On-site day care puts families first. Young children should be raised by their parents, not a baby-sitter or an institution.
gretchenfarricker::
on Oct 14, 2010
I think that this is a great idea. I do believe that both the father and mother should be able to take time off for maternity leave, because in some situations, problems arise with mother or baby during childbirth and it allows for the father to be able to take off that allotted time to be able to be there with his family to help out. The first few months are the most important and to be able to allow both parents to fully enjoy their child for the first months of life, allows for the family to bond better and grow as a family. The threat of losing a job if such problems arise adds unneeded stress which takes away from the most momentous time of someone's life.
