Supporters of Senate Bill 196, the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act, gathered at the Colorado Capitol in April 2014. (Kathryn Scott Osler, Denver Post file)
Re: “The case for paid leave,” Oct. 4 Lisa Wirthman column.
Lisa Wirthman points out the advantages to society and individuals associated with a proposed family leave program. I would agree that provisions for parents to care of newborn children or aging parents are worthwhile. However, wouldn’t it be equitable to offer similar benefits to those without children or aging parents?
Many of us without these responsibilities would like to take time off for volunteer work or personal/professional development. For example, several years ago I was able to take leave without pay to do professional volunteer work in Mexico and later to study Spanish in Guatemala. Most people don’t have the savings or supportive employer I had to enable such endeavors. If we are going to subsidize parenting, I wish there could also be incentives for non-parents to make important contributions to the world.
Will Mahoney, Denver
This letter was published in the Oct. 11 edition.
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