Jewish activists and others urge Chuck Schumer to ensure paid leave legislation

Nearly 800 political leaders, Jewish community activists and other prominent New Yorkers send a letter to US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer urging him to ensure that paid leave remains in the final Build Back Better legislative package that passed the US House earlier this month as negotiations over the legislation continue in the Senate.

“Simply put, on your watch, paid leave must not be left on the cutting room floor. We believe that every working person in New York and beyond deserves time to care for themselves and their loved ones regardless of where they live or work,” the letter reads.

Given Leader Schumer’s historic role as the first Jewish American to lead either chamber of Congress, a number of prominent leaders of New York’s Jewish community including Bend the Arc: Jewish Action, Jews for Racial and Economic Justice, the National Council of Jewish Women – NY, Ruth Malso added their name to the letter.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., speaks to reporters after a Democratic policy meeting at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

The leaders urge Schumer to “put the full weight of your leadership and office behind paid leave in Build Back Better.”