FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Written Statement of Debra L. Ness, President National Partnership for Women & Families

Subcommittee on Children and Families: Securing Our Children's Future through Family-Friendly Public Policies, November 18, 2010

The National Partnership for Women & Families applauds Chairman Dodd for his career-long dedication to improving the lives of women and children. We thank him for convening these hearings to point the way for future action on these vital issues.

Children are our nation’s future. Safeguarding their health and enhancing their ability to learn must be a top priority. America’s children will only thrive if the people who care for them the most — their parents and guardians — can take the time away from work to look after them when they are sick. Family-friendly workplace policies that provide paid sick days and paid family leave are crucial to the health and well-being of America’s children.

Let’s face it — children get sick. Children face both short-term, common illnesses and long-term serious health conditions; in both cases, they need their parents with them to get better faster. Younger children in particular need parental care and supervision when they fall ill, and sick children of all ages need parents to administer medicine and take them to medical appointments. More »

The National Partnership for Women & Families drafted and led the fight to pass the Family & Medical Leave Act. It is a non-profit, non-partisan advocacy group dedicated to promoting fairness in the workplace, access to quality health care and policies that help women and men meet the dual demands of work and family.

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