H.R.3089 - More Paid Leave for More Americans Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3089, the "More Paid Leave for More Americans Act," aims to establish a grant program administered by the Secretary of Labor to support states in implementing paid family leave programs. The bill also seeks to create an Interstate Paid Leave Action Network (I-PLAN) to coordinate state efforts and streamline benefit delivery. It authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2026-2028 to fund both state grants and the national intermediary facilitating the I-PLAN.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would likely increase access to paid family leave for eligible employees across participating states. It would also foster collaboration among states to standardize paid leave policies and reduce administrative burdens for employers with operations in multiple states. The establishment of the I-PLAN aims to create a more cohesive and efficient system for paid family leave benefits.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to paid family leave for eligible employees for the birth or adoption of a child.
- Financial assistance to states for the implementation and administration of paid family leave programs.
- Streamlined benefit delivery and reduced administrative burden through the Interstate Paid Leave Action Network (I-PLAN).
- Potential for greater standardization of paid leave policies across participating states.
- Support for low-income families through prioritized benefit structures.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased state administrative costs associated with implementing and maintaining paid family leave programs.
- Possible burden on employers, particularly small businesses, to comply with paid leave requirements and contribute to funding mechanisms.
- Reliance on federal funding, which may be subject to future appropriations and potential rescissions.
- Complexity in coordinating benefits across multiple states and ensuring program integrity.
- Potential for disparities in benefit levels and eligibility criteria across different states.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the U.S. Constitution is primarily based on the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8), which grants Congress the power to provide for the general welfare of the United States. By establishing a grant program to support paid family leave, the bill aims to improve the well-being of families and promote economic security.
However, some may argue that the bill infringes upon states' rights by incentivizing them to adopt specific paid leave programs. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but the grant program is structured to encourage, not mandate, state participation.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).