Jodie Levin-Epstein, deputy director of CLASP, explained to ABC 7’s Sam Sweeney: “Those on the bottom [such as hourly-wage workers] really need full-wage replacement because they’re living on the brink to begin with.”  She added: “This is a really great opportunity to do something that’s vital, both for D.C. and to set the stage around the country for a bill that really will make a difference.”

On January 14, Washington, D.C. lawmakers held a hearing about the potential economic impact of a bill guaranteeing paid family leave. If passed, the bill would provide 16 weeks of paid leave to bond with a new child, address a medical condition, or take care of sick family. It would be funded by a new payroll tax.