Balancing Act

Ironically, today, on the day of my post about the balancing act that moms face every single day, I am at home with a sick child. On a day I really needed to be at work. However, I am lucky enough not to be "One Sick Child Away From Being Fired," even though I know many women are not so lucky.

And since I am at home and need to take care of my son, I'm going to have to present this topic by directing you to some of the research I did rather than writing up a detailed post as planned. Quotes and sources are provided. This topic is too important to pass by.

from the National Organization of Women: "The Balancing Act Bill (# H.R.2392), which was originally introduced in 2005, provides assistance for working families through increasing the number of workers eligible family and medical care leave; expands child care for young children and incentives for child care providers; preschool, in-school, and after school nutrition and education programs; requires parity for temporary and part-time workers in job benefits, including pension and health care plan coverage; and encourages business to permit employee telecommuting.

In a nutshell, the Balancing Act would:

1. help states provide paid leave for those caring for young children and elderly relatives. Also, it extends current unpaid Family and Medical Leave Act protections to employers with 15 or more employees, for additional family responsibilities, and is pro-rated for part time employees;
2. increase child care options for working families;
3. provide funding for after school programs and universal pre-kindergarten;
4. improve nutrition with reduced or free meals at school; and
5. encourage more friendly and flexible workplaces, including equitable treatment and benefits for part-time and temporary workers.

The Balancing Act is an important companion to other work/family policy initiatives, including The Healthy Families Act (S.910/H.R. 1542), which would provide for paid sick leave for more workers, and a soon-to-be introduced bill to provide for paid family leave."

from the website of the original sponsor, Lynn Woolsey (D-CA): "Washington, DC - A staunch advocate for children and families, Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (D-Petaluma) today introduced The Balancing Act, a comprehensive a package of legislative efforts designed to improve the lives of working families by making it easier for parents to balance their work and family responsibilities.

“Having healthy and strong families is in everyone’s interest, and that’s why this legislation is so important” Woolsey said. “When parents have the confidence of knowing their family’s needs are being met, they are much more productive on the job, which in turn strengthens our economy.

“But this legislation is about more than just strengthening our economy, this is about doing what’s right. Parents should not be forced to choose between having a successful career and raising a family, and we must ensure that they have the support available at their disposal to do both.”

The legislation would improve the lives of tens of millions of Americans by providing paid family and medical leave assistance, expanded child care opportunities, in-school and after school options, family care assistance, universal (voluntary) pre-school, incentives for family friendly work places, benefits for part-time workers, and telecommuting incentives. Woolsey has introduced similar legislation in the previous Congress, and views it as one of her top domestic priorities.

“The recommendations in this bill are common sense,” Woolsey said. “As a nation we must value work, but we must also ensure that someone’s commitment to their career does not overshadow their ability to raise a family. This legislation is one of my top domestic priorities, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in Washington, and all interested parties to make these recommendations a reality.”

So what can you, the Soccer Mom Vote reader do? For one, contact your representative and ask them to co-sponsor the bill. Go to the N.O.W. website and implement their suggestions ("other ways to take action" at the bottom). Join MomsRising, a grassroots organization for women's issues and answer their calls to action (and see Soccer Mom Joanne there!) Together, we CAN make a difference.

(special thanks to Susan at Working Moms Against Guilt for her post on this issue).

Comments

[LawyerMama]

Sing it sista! This is SUCH an imposrtant issue.

[Amy W]

The company I work for? You are only allowed 5 days of "unscheduled" leave a YEAR. That includes sick children. Sucks.

I will be contacting my representative.

[Susan]

Thanks for spreading the word about this important bill. I really hope it catches on. Oh, and Amy? I got you beat: 4 sick days a year! In other words, one bad cold and a stomach virus. That's all you're allowed.

Susan at Working Moms Against Guilt
http://www.workingmomsagainstguilt.com