It would make improvements to the Family & Medical Leave Act.
Rep April McClain Delaney (D-Md 6th)
Washington DC (KM) Legislation to expand leave benefits to military families has been introduced in Congress by 6th District Representative April McClain Delaney and two other lawmakers. If passed, the bill, known as the Making It Likely for Families of the Military to Live with the Leave Access Act (MIL FMLA), would modernize the Family and Medical Leave Act to make sure that military caregiver benefits are available to more people who care for service members or veterans.
“Over 14 million Americans care for injured servicemembers and veterans, but current law leaves too many behind,” says Congresswoman McClain Delaney, in a statement. “The bipartisan MIL FMLA Act, which I’m proud to lead with Congressman {James} Moylan, ensure all military caregivers—including domestic partners and extended family–can access the leave they deserve without arbitrary restrictions. This bill is a step forward truly honoring the service and sacrifice of those who care for our nation’s heroes.”
The legislation would expand military care benefits to reserve components and domestic deployments, .eliminate the requirement that caregiver protections apply to veterans who served within the past five years.. It would expand caregivers to include domestic partners, and other close family members such as aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, grandchildren and other loved ones.
In Maryland, it’s estimated that over 150,000 military and veteran caregivers are in need of support. And according to AARP, Maryland caregivers of veterans spend 1.5 times more on out-of-pocket costs compared to other family caregivers, according to a statement from McClain Delaney’s office.
McClain Delaney introduced this legislation with Representative James Moylan of Guam and Senator Tammy Duckworth from Illinois. The bill has sponsorships from multiple members of Congress, including Representative Steny Hoyer and Senator Angela Alsobrooks both of Maryland.
By Kevin McManus