DC Dispatch

It's almost here! The long-awaited paid leave bill will be introduced in the U.S. Congress on Thursday, December 12 by NY Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro. The Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act will offer eligible employees 12 weeks of partial income replacement for certain caregiving needs, like having or adopting a baby, dealing with a serious illness or caring for a family member with that sort of medical  condition.   

Who will pay for it? Both the employer and employee will contribute equally a sum based on the employee's earnings, and estimates show it works out to about $1.50 per week for the typical worker. We'll be gathering in force for the unveiling under the Capitol dome at a special press event. The NAMC has already joined forces with over 400 other organizations across the 50 states and in Washington D.C. to tell the Congress how crucial this move is to the well-being and economic security of all families, whether there are children, aging parents, spouses or partners needing and giving care. 

Two Steps Forward ...

Well into the 21st century, we live in an enlightened age of equality, democracy, and opportunities for all to excel, thrive and succeed, right? Follow your dreams, believe in yourself, work hard, and you too can grow up to be whatever you want.  

I suspect we so want to believe that our world is essentially fair and just that we ignore some very disappointing truths, like the movement towards equal opportunity has been flat-lined for 20 years. Dr. Philip Cohen explains what happened, why, and what to do about it in an article I just LOVE.

Do Children Really Make a Difference in Earnings?

Please Sir, May I Have Some ... More?

Oh, yeah? It's not that easy. There's plenty of research to suggest that bosses don't favorably regard women asking for a raise. According to the TODAY Show, "To do that requires being assertive, taking initiative, probably taking out your list of accomplishments and thereby self-promoting," said Laura Kray, a professor of  at the University of California at Berkeley's Haas School of Business. "It turns out people don't like it when women do this."  

Well, great. Sounds like the original spot between a rock and a  hard place. To get further into negotiation and what we need to know about it to lead, read this piece by Kathleen Fordyce at The Shriver Report.

Mothers' Centers have helped thousands of families:

• Make friends
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• Find needed support  
• Advocate for our children's needs
• Discover valuable resources
• Find creative ways to manage work and family responsibilities
• And so much more!

Please consider making a tax-deductable donation  to the National Association of Mothers' Centers today.

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