Quotes of Support for Paid Leave from Small Business Organizations
“The Paid Leave for All campaign is proud to partner with Small Business for Paid Leave because we aim to center the voices of those most impacted, including small business owners who need this policy across the country,” said Dawn Huckelbridge, Director of Paid Leave for All.
“For Main Street businesses, healthy families are part of our bottom line,” said Executive Director of the Main Street Alliance, Amanda Ballantyne. “Let’s level the playing field for small businesses, strengthen economic opportunities for our families and communities, and promote greater racial and gender equity by passing strong paid family and medical leave legislation.”
"Small business owners know it makes good business sense to take care of their employees, as it’s crucial to retaining a productive and talented workforce," said John Arensmeyer, founder & CEO of Small Business Majority. "But unfortunately many small employers don't have the resources to offer paid family and medical leave, putting them at a disadvantage when it comes to attracting and retaining employees. This is why we need a national paid family and medical leave insurance program, which is something small businesses overwhelmingly support."
“Small business owners want to provide their employees with paid time to address serious family and personal caregiving needs. A national paid family and medical leave program would enable them to afford this critical benefit, helping to retain valued employees and reduce turnover costs. It’s no surprise the majority of small business owners – including three-quarters of women and people of color who own small businesses – support a national, comprehensive policy. We are so grateful to Rep. Rosa DeLauro and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and all of the co-sponsors of the FAMILY Act for taking action to advance paid leave for all.” -National Partnership for Women & Families Vice President for Economic Justice Erika Moritsugu
"Moms know small businesses are the backbone of their communities, whether they are supporting the local soccer team or standing up for equal pay. Just like small businesses help local economies thrive, paid leave will boost our economy by lowering turnover and allowing caregivers, especially women, to stay in the workforce," said Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, Executive Director of MomsRising. "That's why MomsRising and its members are advocating for a comprehensive paid leave program, like the FAMILY Act, that will allow small business owners and their employees to take the time they need without worrying about losing a paycheck or being forced to close their business. No one should be punished for taking care of themselves or a loved one in need."
An inclusive family definition is an important aspect to a federal paid leave program,” said National LGBT Chamber of Commerce co-founder and President Justin Nelson. “We are excited to join with other business organizations to work for a national comprehensive family and medical leave program that covers everyone no matter where you work or who you love.
“We offer paid family leave and other generous benefits not only because it aligns with our mission as a family-friendly workplace, but it also makes good business sense,” said Rebecca Hamilton, co-CEO of W.S. Badger, a member of the American Sustainable Business Council, who is testifying Tuesday before the House Ways and Means Committee. “Our innovative approach has enabled us to spend virtually zero dollars on recruitment while retaining an engaged and committed workforce for the past 25 years.”
“The American Sustainable Business Council/Panorama study released last fall that demonstrated a largely positive return on investment for companies offering paid family leave is yet more evidence for policymakers that paid leave is not just a benefit to society, but to businesses’ bottom lines and the economy as a whole,” said David Levine, Co-founder and President of ASBC. “That’s why we need a comprehensive paid leave program offered to every American family no matter where they work or live.”
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The Small Business for Paid Leave Coalition is supporting small business owners as they speak out on how a publicly managed and funded paid family and medical leave program is good for all of us. Its members include Main Street Alliance, American Sustainable Business Council, Family Values @ Work, MomsRising, National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, National Partnership for Women & Families, and Small Business Majority.