West Virginia Congressman Riley Moore and Utah Senator Mike Lee have introduced a new bill aimed at supporting new parents who choose to stay home with their children. This legislation, called the Fairness for Stay-at-Home-Parents Act, seeks to amend the Family and Medical Leave Act, ensuring that parents won’t face financial penalties for leaving the workforce after the birth of a child.
Currently, many employers can require parents to repay health care costs if they decide not to return to their jobs following maternity leave. This can create a significant burden for families, as family insurance premiums can average around $25,000 a year. The new bill would prevent employers from recovering any health care premiums already paid if a parent chooses to stay home after childbirth.
Moore emphasized the importance of supporting families, stating, “Being pro-life means being pro-family.” He believes this bill will help families avoid unexpected bills that can arise from their decision to prioritize caring for their newborns.
Senator Lee echoed this sentiment, pointing out that the legislation addresses an unfair aspect of current law that impacts mothers who want to stay home with their babies. He noted that reducing financial burdens on families is an important goal, and this bill would make it easier for many new parents to take care of their children without the stress of added costs.
The proposal has received backing from conservative organizations like the American Principles Project and the Human Coalition. Brad Wilcox, a fellow at the Institute for Family Studies, praised the bill, saying it gives parents more freedom to choose how to care for their young children.
If passed, this legislation could save families thousands of dollars, making it a significant step toward supporting new parents in their choice to focus on family during those critical early months.