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(Trends Wide) — Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, urges Democratic congressional leaders to approve paid federal medical and family leave and “ensure this very important moment is not missed” as Democrats continue to negotiate a deal to approve the social safety net and the Joe Biden’s government infrastructure package.
“Paid leave should be a national right, rather than a patchwork of options limited to those whose employers have policies in place, or those who live in one of the few states where there is a licensing program,” he wrote in a letter to the leader. Senate Majority Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, published Wednesday by the Paid Leave for All organization.
“If we are going to create a new era of family-first policies, let’s make sure that includes a robust paid leave program for all Americans that is guaranteed, accessible, and promoted without stigmas or penalties,” he argued.
Meghan drew on her own experiences as a mother, but recognized her privilege in being able to care for her newborn without having to make “impossible decisions about childcare, work and healthcare that so many have to make every day.” She and Prince Harry welcomed their second daughter, Lilibet, in June.
“Like any parent, we were delighted. Like many parents, we were overwhelmed. Like few parents, we did not face the harsh reality of deciding whether to spend those critical first months with our baby or go back to work,” she wrote.
“No family should have to choose between making a living and having the freedom to care for their child,” he added.
Democrats are negotiating a comprehensive spending package that meets President Joe Biden’s priorities, such as expanding healthcare and childcare, among other things.
Biden had initially asked for 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave, but Trends Wide reported that the president recently proposed a plan that reduces the duration to four weeks and limits benefits to those earning less than $ 100,000.
In her letter to Schumer and Pelosi, Meghan wrote that the “families you represent need your strong leadership. With paid leave about to become a national reality, I am confident that you will live up to this moment.”
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