July 10, 2014. In Obama's weekly address on Saturday, June 21, President Obama announced the White House would pursue workplace reform allowing paid family leave “because all Americans should be able to afford to care for a family member in need.” Calling family leave, childcare, and flexibility “basic needs,” rather than “frills,” the President also expanded the child and dependent care tax credit in his proposed budget. Read more from his adddress HERE. The question of whether he will see sufficient Congressional support to pass the reforms he envisions is as yet unanswered. However, the President is certainly using his bully pulpit to raise his profile. This target may be a reaction to the White House’s fear that what was to be his landmark legacy, health care reform, has become ensnared in scandals. Read more on the health care law changes HERE.
For more information regarding employment law and Obama's signals to target paid family leave, contact the Goosmann Law Firm at info@goosmannlaw.com or call 712-226-4000.