FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Janel Knight Trulear

janel@emccommunications.com

617-875-6581

Small business group applauds release of House Working Group bipartisan paid leave legislative text

Statement by Small Business for America's Future Co-Chair Walt Rowen, CEO of Susquehanna Glass Company in Columbia, Pa. on the House Working Group's paid leave legislative text

COLUMBIA, Pa., Dec. 18, 2024— “In today’s competitive labor market, small businesses need every tool available to attract and retain talented employees. That's why I welcome the release of two discussion drafts from the House Paid Family Leave Working Group. I particularly commend Rep. Chrissy Houlahan and Rep. Stephanie Bice for their leadership in co-chairing this effort. As a Pennsylvania small business owner, I appreciate Rep. Houlahan's dedication to understanding the challenges faced by both businesses and workers in our state and beyond.

“The financial challenges that small businesses face in offering paid leave benefits can put them at a disadvantage when competing with large corporations for workers. The discussion drafts work to address this through two promising approaches: a competitive grant program to help states establish public-private partnership paid leave programs, and the Interstate Paid Leave Action Network (I-PLAN) to improve coordination between state programs. These measures are an important step toward helping to level the playing field and strengthen our position as job creators in our communities.

“Recent research shows the clear business benefits of paid leave policies. In states with existing paid leave laws, 55% of businesses report improved employee retention, and 62% note increased employee morale. Nearly half of small business owners in these states find that paid leave programs generate business savings. 

“Paid leave will help create stronger, more resilient small businesses while ensuring our employees can care for themselves and their families when they need it most. We look forward to providing feedback on these discussion drafts and working with Congress to develop solutions that will strengthen small businesses while ensuring our employees can care for themselves and their families when they need it most.

To request an interview with Small Business for America’s Future Co-chair Walt Rowen contact Janel Knight Trulear at (617) 875-6581 or janel@emccommunications.com.  

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About Small Business for America’s Future
Small Business for America’s Future is a national coalition of small business owners and leaders working to provide small businesses a voice at every level of government. We’re committed to ensuring policymakers prioritize the nation’s 30 million small businesses to create an economy that works for them, their workers and their communities. Visit www.smallbusinessforamericasfuture.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. #SmallBizAF.