Republican Sen. Marco Rubio[1] of Florida touted his paid family leave plan Thursday morning, before he announces the bill in Congress.
The legislation is called the Economic Security for New Parents Act that aims to give parents up to two months of paid leave.
Mr. Rubio[2] explained on “CBS This Morning” that “there’s nothing better for our children” than to allow parents time to be with their children in the first few days. He argued it is wrong that people have to rush back to work “because they can’t afford to miss one paycheck.”
“In fact, it’s startling how many parents, particularly first-time mothers and people that just have children in their family, go on public assistance because they lose their job, or they can’t draw a paycheck any longer,” he said, “So we’re giving people an option.”
Paid leave would be funded by parents pulling from Social Security benefits. Some see this as trading retirement funds for a family, but Mr. Rubio[3] said it gives people the option to alleviate economic strain for their present situation.
“Well, I prefer it come from the private sector, but as you said, only one out of 10 have it. And I hope that number will grow over the years,” he said.
However, the Florida senator said he’s open to other suggestions that don’t involve raising taxes....
“If we are serious about helping our children in this country, it begins from the day they are born and allowing their parents to be involved in the early days of their lives,” Mr. Rubio[4] said, “And that should not be a bankruptcy-inducing event.”