NTEU Supports Paid Family Leave, IRS Funding Boost in Build Back Better Plan

NTEU is voicing strong support for provisions in the Build Back Better plan providing for a paid family leave program and a much-needed funding boost to rebuild the IRS and its workforce.

The paid family leave program would provide most public and private sector workers a portion of their wages for up to four weeks to welcome a new child, recover from a serious illness or care for a seriously ill family member. For federal employees who already have access to 12 weeks of paid parental leave, the new program would provide four weeks of partially paid leave for medical reasons currently outlined by the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993.

Another NTEU-supported provision in the bill would provide the IRS with a 10-year, $79 billion investment that would equip the agency with the resources and staffing it needs to begin rebuilding after a decade of budget and staffing cuts.  

The administration estimates that the increased funding will allow the IRS to hire 86,000 employees, which is critical because at least 50,000 current employees are expected to be lost through attrition and retirement in the next six years.

The bill also includes a provision that would provide a tax deduction for union dues.

The Build Back Better plan is now under consideration by Congress.