#13 – Paid Family Leave

Why on earth are we the only civilized, industrialized, and modernized nation that does not offer paid family leave?  For a county whose major political parties have touted their family values for decades, there has been little to show for this at the national level.  It is good that workers have legal protection with the Family Leave Act for 12 weeks, but it is unpaid leave.  For the 99% of the Americans that make this country work, they cannot afford to be without pay for 12 weeks.  Thankfully, many businesses and municipalities are taking the lead on this issue and offering paid family leave.   However, no American worker should have to choose between taking care of a loved one or earning a pay check.  Making paid family leave mandatory is fundamental to our culture and makes economic sense.  It is the pro-business norm of the 21st century economy and workforce.   While many businesses do offer paid vacation, there are still millions of Americans who do not have this benefit.  Taking time off to enjoy the fruits of your labor is very important to your own health, wellbeing, and the business you work for.   Congressman Carter’s outdated notions on this issue hurts our local economy and our families.  Thankfully, your next Congressman, Mike Clark, grew up with these Texas values and knows that these benefits are very pro-business, pro-worker, and pro-family