Putting Montana families first with paid family leave

Montana families are the backbone of our great state. They raise our children, drive our economy, and embody the values that make Montana strong: hard work, community and resilience. 

But today, Montana families are being stretched thin. Our neighbors are especially struggling to take care of their families at the start and end of life–when welcoming a new child into their household or trying to find the time and resources to care for an ailing parent. 

Montana employers are struggling to find and retain employees. Workers have more opportunities to work remotely and far too often those jobs are for out of state businesses. Employers want to provide the benefits and an environment that attracts and keeps employees but doing so has a heavy burden on their business growth.      

It doesn’t have to be this way. The American Dream means having the opportunity to care for your family, get ahead and build a brighter future for the next generation.

That’s why we must act—now—to pass paid family leave and help make sure Montana families and businesses have the tools they need to succeed.

Democrats have been advocating for paid family leave solutions for decades and the current affordability crisis facing many Montana families makes the need for solutions more evident than ever. 

This week I introduced the Paid Family Leave Act (SB 325) for our families, our businesses, and our future. This bill, based on legislation already enacted in many other states, would allow for up to 12 weeks of paid leave for childbirth, adoption, and eldercare. 

Montanans work hard, and they deserve the time to care for their loved ones without fear of losing a paycheck. Paid family leave ensures that parents can be there for their children during the critical early months, or care for a sick relative when it matters most. 

It’s good for families, good for businesses and good for Montana.

Unfortunately, some would rather stand by while families struggle to get by. That’s not leadership. It’s neglect.

Together, we can help Montanans achieve the American Dream and create a brighter, stronger future for Montana families.

Senator Derek Harvey is a Democrat from Butte