Bill package helps women rejoin the workforce

LANSING, Mich., Sept. 28, 2021 — A bicameral coalition of Michigan Democratic legislators led by members of the Progressive Women’s Caucus (PWC) will introduce legislation during a press conference tomorrow, Sept. 29 at 9 a.m. on the 13th floor of the House Office Building. The package of bills is aimed at helping Michigan women re-enter the workforce after the COVID-19 pandemic forced many of them to leave their jobs at disproportionate rates compared to working men.

“When looking for a new job, the benefits an employer offers directly impacts an employee’s ability to join the workforce,” said state Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield Township). “House Bill 5344 would require employers to disclose their family leave policies to current and prospective employees. I found out just two weeks before going into labor that I did not qualify for my employer’s family leave policy despite being assured otherwise. This last minute change was extremely stressful and we had to make some tough financial decisions. No expecting parent should ever be blindsided by their employer’s family leave policy. Being transparent about family leave has real financial and familial consequences, and full disclosure of these polices are crucial in helping employees navigate their personal and professional life.”

“Taking charge of your reproductive health and making the right, informed decisions for yourself is unfortunately largely tied to the health care coverage your employer offers,” said state Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt). “House Bill 5345 creates the Reproductive Health Coverage Information Act. This act would require employers to inform prospective employees of reproductive health coverage information and notify current employees of any change in coverage 90 days before the change takes effect. If reproductive health care coverage is dependent on a person’s employment status, the least employers can do is make it clear if their company’s health care plan will meet the needs of their employees.”

“Employees are far too often expected to work long hours without a break,” said state Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia). “The pandemic has only made it less likely that employees are getting the breaks they need to recharge while completing their work day because of staffing shortages. Yet the benefits from guaranteed breaks remain as important as ever. Senate Bill 663 will mandate paid break periods after an employee works a certain number of hours. This legislation is not only good for employees, it’s incredibly beneficial for employers as well. Time and again, research has shown that employees that receive guaranteed breaks have better work satisfaction, stronger work performance and improved mental health. After the impact COVID-19 has had on all of our mental health, this legislation is an easy way for us to support the hard-working employees in Michigan.”

The Women in the Workforce package has been submitted and referred to the appropriate committees.

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