After reading our article "Mother's Rights," are you wondering what's happening now with the Medical and Family Leave Act?
Good news! Although stripped of its medical leave provisions, the Family Leave Act, which gives workers up to five weeks of paid family leave after the birth or adoption of a new child, passed in both houses of the state legislature and was signed into law by Governor Gregoire on Tuesday, May 8. A task force has been created to find ways to pay for the $250 a week new parents will be eligible for beginning in 2009.
Help pass family leave laws in other states at www.momsrising.org/maternity and provide America with this mom's right that nearly ever other country enjoys. Read about other bills up for a vote in Washington at the Washington State Legislature Web site www.leg.wa.gov/legislature.
For more ways to get involved with family-friendly policy changes in our state, visit our new section Voice It!
