FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact
Janel Knight Trulear
janel@emccommunications.com
(617) 875-6581

Small Business Group Remarks on 30th Anniversary of Family and Medical Leave Act, Urges Lawmakers to Expand Access

Statement by Small Business for America’s Future Small Business Council member Tiara Flynn, CEO of Sumnu Marketing and Phenomenal Mamma in Las Vegas, NV, reacts to 30th Anniversary of Family and Medical Leave Act

Feb.10, 2023– For 30 years, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) has served as a lifeline for working families across the country. The law makes it possible for some workers to take unpaid time off to care for loved ones or themselves without fear of losing their jobs. 

This essential benefit is only enjoyed by some and is typically unpaid. That needs to change. It is time to modernize and expand access to every working American. 

As small business owners, we recognize that offering paid leave is pivotal to attracting and retaining quality employees—but it can be costly. Without legislation that levels the playing field, small businesses will be at the bottom of an economic system that favors affluent corporations that can afford to offer their employees strong paid leave benefits. 

A Small Business for America’s Future survey found 59% of small employers want to see a bipartisan solution on paid family and medical leave, a number that rises to 81% support among Black small employers. 

We are pleased to see a bipartisan working group has been established in the house to examine the challenges and opportunities for paid leave. A similar effort is expected in the Senate. 

We are also encouraged by President Biden’s recent memorandum that urges support for federal workers seeking FMLA in their first year on the job and seeks policy recommendations for including workers seeking safety or recovering from domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking under FMLA.  

It is our hope lawmakers take swift action and work to identify ways in which more workers have access to FMLA and paid leave. 

To request an interview with SBAF Council member and CEO of Sumnu Marketing and Phenonmenal Mamma Tiara Flynn, contact Janel Knight Trulear at (617) 875-6581 or janel@emccommunications.com.  

###

About Small Business for America’s Future
Small Business for America’s Future is a coalition of small business owners and leaders nationwide working to provide small businesses a voice at every level of government. We’re committed to ensuring policymakers prioritize Main Street by advancing a just and equitable economic framework that works for small business owners, their employees and their communities. Visit www.smallbusinessforamericasfuture.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. #SmallBizAF.