Paul Ryan Opposes Paid Family Leave While Asking for More Family Time

Paul Ryan opposes paid family leave, but recently rejected a proposal to run for House Speaker citing that he would not have enough time for family if he did so. Democrats especially called Ryan out for acting in a way they felt was hypocritical.

Ryan responded to these allegations in an interview with CNN. “I don't think that sticking up for being a person with balance in your life, for wanting to spend your weekends in your home with your family ... I don't think that means signing up for some new unfunded mandate,” he told Dana Bash.

“I cannot and will not give up my family time,” Ryan announced when asked about the proposition of running. The statement was heard by fathers and mothers across the nation who mistakenly believed that Ryan would be pushing for paid family leave.

The Working Families Flexibility Act

Back in 2009, Ryan opposed a bill that would have guaranteed four weeks of paid time off for new parental leave. Ryan instead favors the Working Families Flexibility Act, a bill proposed by fellow Republican Martha Roby, which would allow employees to put their overtime hours toward paid time off, but sacrificing time-and-a-half.

The Family and Medical Leave Act

Currently, federal law allows employees up to 12 weeks off for parental or medical leave through the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). However, this time off is not paid. While the 3 months leave can help, many new parents and employees with sick family cannot realistically afford to take time off that is not paid, forcing them to choose between family and paying the bills.

Atkerson Law – Dallas employment lawyer