Rep. Moore and Senator Lee Introduce Legislation to Protect Stay-at-Home-Parents

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Riley M. Moore (R-WV) and Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Fairness for Stay at Home Parents Act, which closes a loophole in the Family and Medical Leave Act to ensure employers can’t claw back the cost of health insurance premiums from an employee should he or she choose not to return to work after the birth of a child.

With health insurance premiums for family coverage averaging $25,000 per year, this current loophole can compel parents to return to work even if they feel unready or would prefer to stay home. 50% of mothers who return to work after the birth of their child experience feelings of guilt about not being with their newborn. This bill strengthens families by giving new parents the option to raise their children without having to worry about their employer clawing back their healthcare premiums.

The legislation has been endorsed by the American Principles Project, the Bull Moose Project, the Human Coalition, and Concerned Women for America LAC.

Congressman Moore issued the following statement:

“Being pro-life means being pro-family. That means ensuring families aren’t penalized for deciding to have a parent stay home with their new baby.

“Our bill ensures families won't face a huge bill for insurance premiums simply for choosing what's best for their family.”

Senator Mike Lee added:

“Our legislation rectifies a problem with the Family and Medical Leave Act that unfairly impacts mothers who decide to stay home with their newborns after maternity leave. Each additional financial burden we can remove from growing American families is a victory, and this bill will make it easier for hundreds of thousands of new parents to care for their kids.”

Brad Wilcox, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Family Studies, further added:

“Family policy should give parents the choice to care for their young children. The Fairness for Stay-at-Home Parents Act does this, which is why I think it is a smart idea.”

This story was first covered by the Daily Wire. Read more here.

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