Alternative approaches for a paid parental leave program

In his budget, President Trump included funds for a paid parental leave program, confirming that this is a presidential priority.

Rather than using the unemployment insurance system, the president should consider alternative approaches. Senators are drafting legislation to reform Social Security so workers can opt to receive up to 12 weeks of benefits following birth or adoption, in exchange for delaying their retirement benefits to make up for those costs.

This approach would guarantee workers have access to paid leave, but without disrupting existing programs or a creating new payroll tax and entitlement program. This should have broad public support.

– Carrie Lukas, President, Independent Women’s Forum (IWF)