You did it!! Biden includes bereavement leave in proposal.
Hopeful change may be on the horizon, thanks to your collective efforts.
Hi, everyone. I’m writing today with big, hopeful news.
Last week we sent details of our communal effort, in the form of an open letter and alongside more than 100 grief organizations, to request that President Biden support grieving families by including job protections during the first stages of bereavement in his American Families Plan proposal. Why? Because no one should lose their job after losing a loved one, which is one of the most vulnerable times of a person’s life.
Yesterday, we learned that he has committed to doing so. The President’s bill proposes three days of bereavement leave per year starting in Year One, potentially including partial wage replacement. You can read more details in a press release from Evermore, the national nonpartisan nonprofit leading this effort by engaging thousands of volunteers around the United States to ensure bereavement leave remains on the nation’s agenda; and in the White House’s American Families Plan fact sheet.
Next, we look to Congress to protect newly bereaved families. Watch this space for next steps on how you can help. (And if you’re reading this from another country that doesn’t offer bereavement protections? Perhaps you’ll be inspired to start your own campaign.)
In the meantime, take a beat to congratulate yourself for advocating for a more empathetic and supportive society through your vocal support, emails to the White House, and any other actions you’ve taken. By doing so, you are embodying the change you want to see in the world. Well done, friends.
– Rebecca Soffer and Modern Loss