In May, the Government Managers Coalition (GMC), of which FMA is a member, sent a letter to congressional leaders in support of the Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act (H.R. 564 / S. 1158). This legislation, introduced in the House in January by Oversight and Reform Chair Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and in April in the Senate by Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI), would build on the success of providing 12 weeks of paid parental leave for federal employees, and provide paid leave for all instances covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act. The GMC consists of the five major federal-sector executive and management professional associations. 

The letter said, “The Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act would provide 12 weeks of paid leave annually for federal employees dealing with a personal illness, caring for a family member suffering from an illness, or in connection with a family member returning from or going into active military service. As you know, families in our country all too often have to choose between caring for themselves or a loved one and their paycheck. This problem has been acutely felt during the pandemic, as many federal employees have fallen ill while serving on the front lines as essential healthcare workers, emergency logisticians, air traffic controllers, and experts connecting Americans to financial relief and other services; however, the problems posed by the lack of paid leave existed prior to COVID-19, and are sure to persist after the pandemic ends. 

“The CPLFEA, if enacted, would offer stability, assurance, and flexibility to federal employees and their families when they suffer a health setback. This is not only critical from a human capital and infrastructure perspective, but is also a commendable policy to recruit and retain the best workers and sustain a highly competent, professional civil service in the coming decades. Thirty-one percent of federal employees are eligible to retire next year. While it is unlikely that all of those eligible will exercise their retirement options, it is important that the federal government take steps to address its competitiveness with other employers and offer benefits packages that can compete with the private sector.”

FMA will continue to work with our friends in the GMC and the Federal-Postal Coalition in support of this legislation. To track its progress in the legislative process, please click here or here.