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Fischer Led the Effort to Enact First Nationwide PFML Policy in 2017


WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statement on President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget request and the importance of her Paid Family and Medical Leave legislation:

“The President’s budget calls for a new Federal Paid Family Leave Program—while I appreciate the sentiment and gesture to working families, I’m concerned that’s all it may be. A new nationwide, one-size-fits-all entitlement program is not the answer, and such a fruitless pursuit would leave too many families where they are today: without access to Paid Family Medical Leave. As the administration works with Congress on this issue, we must consider my Paid Family Medical Leave tax credit—the only PFML policy with a track record of passage in Congress,” said Senator Fischer.

Background:

Fischer and U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) led the effort to establish the country’s first ever nationwide PFML policy, which was included in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and implemented in 2018.

In January, Senators Fischer and King introduced the Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act. By making the Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) Employer Tax Credit permanent, the legislation makes it easier for businesses of any size to offer PFML plans to employees.

The Senators’ legislation builds on the 2017 law to better include working families and hourly workers. The legislation also provides additional options for businesses to earn the paid leave tax credit, such as paying for PFML insurance products, and it requires greater outreach efforts to raise awareness about the credit.

Click here
 to read more about Senator Fischer’s legislation.

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