Should the USA extend maternity leave with government subsidies?

[debbiedenise]

I know this will draw a good healthy debate, but I am open to all opinions. I know that when I had my two kids that The Family Leave Act had just passed here in the USA. I for one was a happy mother. I know that many years ago or maybe not (60 or so) a woman had to stop working once pregnant. Do you think that Americans should be provided with more paid leave like some other countries. I know that businesses will say they cannot afford it. Well, what do you think about government subsidies (maybe 50/50) or something. I don't know. I am thinking about my daughter and her future. What do you think? Please be nice!!!

[Nothingfree]

Women did it too themselves in all honesty. It was a point in time when it was frowned upon for them to work they were considered the staple of the household. They fought legally to be able to get into the workforce where men had dominated. My grandmother never had to worry about maternity leave. If women never entered the workforce to the level they have now I think the cost of living would be better. That is not me saying women are the problem or it is wrong for women to work just my opinion. Because if women work then it is a dual income, and since it is a dual income the prices are higher. So should women get extended maternity leave I think women shouldn’t have to work at all only in fields where it is preferable to have a women. Maybe then all the men wouldn’t be so lazy. Maybe then the economy would be better since it will be single income homes and kids getting nurtured by mom day in and day out. And the women who did work could get extended maternity with pay from government subsidies and that wouldn’t hurt the tax payer pockets. TBH I’m just giving my opinion wish you the best

[molonski2]

The problem. with these kind of subsitities is.. How do you fund them? Tax

In a country that only gives 2 weeks annual leave to all , plus it must be paternity leave , so immediately as an employer a prejudice is created against those of child bearing age , with even more prejudice towards child bearing females.
If you are s small business you just exclude them immediately, you ask people relationship status ( even if not allowed ) and you are getting into a very socialistic scenario.

I would have thought 4 weeks annual leave should be a first goal , and that's just not going to happen.

[Anonymous]

If they took it out of Nancy Pelosi's $61 million pocket of wealth then I would be all for it, but when you say 'the government' it literally means other people paying for something that is 100% your responsibility. If someone is Oklahoma decided they wanted to take up painting as a hobby, or they wanted to buy a nicer car, or they wanted to eat out at fancy restaurants, should the money you earn at your job be taken from you and given to that person?

[Jennz6]

I don’t have any children but I’ll take the money

[AI Opinion]

Maternity leave is crucial for family well-being. Government subsidies could ease the financial burden on businesses while supporting new parents. Many countries with extended maternity leave report positive outcomes for families and businesses. A 50/50 subsidy could be a balanced approach, considering economic constraints and the importance of parent-child bonding in early months. Such policies could contribute to a happier, more productive workforce in the long term. Examining successful models globally might provide insights into crafting an effective policy for the U. S. that supports families without unduly straining businesses.

[Avicenna]

It would have to be paid for ny taxpayers, but it would be a good policy. Inexpensive child care subsidized at least in part by taxpayers would be even better.

[malarkey]

Nope. If you manage to some how squeeze that sort of tyranny through, I will not employ women.

[bowenw]

Yes, about a year with a guarantee to return to their same job with no loss of seniority or affect on benefits or pensions.

[DrPepper12]

USA America is a rapacious capitalistic misogynistic anti-life hell scape for parents. We are NOT civilized. Yes. Minimum one year paid maternity AND paternity.

[lightbulb27]

Yes, all women should pay into an insurance "fund". When they become pregnant, the fund pays them to stay home and watch their kids. Once kids are old enough, then they go back to work and continue paying into fund.

[Ironco]

I don't believe in a socially provided "free" hand outs. It's bad enough people pay into social security their whole life, and it probably won't be there when they need it.

So more "free" money isn't the answer.

[JonCobretti]

We're thinking about repealing the 19th or not and you're here talking about maternity leave? Come on now...

[AviatorTom]

Better than maternity and/or paternity leave would be an improved economy, where one parent doesn't have to work and can stay home and raise the child, like Mother Nature designed it.

[BarryLiverstone]

Could see a gov funded loan much like education loans for that duration.

[LiamS95]

I won't pretend to know all the particulars on this subject but the US should match other countries such as Canada on this.

[WhitneySnow]

That sounds like a good idea

[TheStaleMarshmellow]

If no one complains about the tax increase

[strateguy632]

It shouldn't

[eagle1951]

sure