WASHINGTON—Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), Vice Chair Designate of the Joint Economic Committee, issued the following statement Friday after the Department of Labor announced 20,000 jobs were added in February. Her statement followed her introduction of legislation this week that could support long-term job growth.

“We’ve now had a record 101 straight months of job growth. During that time, the economy has added more than 20 million jobs. Again this month, wages moved higher. This is a strong labor market that is rewarding workers with stronger wage growth.

“Even with the labor market strengthening over the past decade, income inequality persists and labor force participation rates have not returned to earlier highs. For example, the share of prime-age women, aged 25-54, working or seeking work remains 1.4 percentage points below the peak reached in 2000.  Male participation rates also lag previous highs. 

“Passing family leave policies that allow workers to take paid leave after the birth or adoption of a child or to care for a family member with a serious health condition can boost participation rates, lower turnover and lead to higher incomes. There are positive impacts on productivity and economic growth. By using policy tools to help workers balance the demands of work and family, we can strengthen families and our economy.”

Earlier this week, Congresswoman Maloney introduced the Federal Employee Paid Leave Act (FEPLA) that would provide 12 weeks of paid family leave for federal workers.  FEPLA would guarantee paid leave for all instances covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act, which currently guarantees only unpaid leave. 

 

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