Mandate bereavement leave for grieving parents in Georgia


Mandate bereavement leave for grieving parents in Georgia
The Issue
DeAndre’s Parental Bereavement Protection Act aims to address the shortcomings in current FMLA laws concerning bereavement leave for parents who have lost a child. Unlike maternity leave, which is automatically categorized as a "serious medical condition" under FMLA, bereavement leave for parents is limited to only three to level of job protection.
Under the proposed act, parents who experience the loss of a child would be entitled to the same level of job protection and leave benefits as those afforded to pregnant women. This would mean extending the duration of bereavement leave to at least 12 weeks and ensuring that parents are covered under FMLA without the requirement of having worked a minimum number of hours within a specific timeframe.
Additionally, the act seeks to streamline the process for applying for bereavement leave and eliminate unnecessary paperwork that adds to the emotional strain on grieving parents. Simplifying the application process would reduce the likelihood of delays or denials, ensuring that parents can focus on grieving and supporting their families without the added stress of financial insecurity.
Overall, DeAndre’s Parental Bereavement Protection Act aims to provide much-needed support and protection for parents during one of the most difficult times in their lives, helping to alleviate the financial and emotional burdens they face after the loss of a child.
When my son lost his battle with cancer, I was expected back at work before we even were able to give him a proper burial. In Georgia, there is no requirement for employers to give bereavement leave. With The DeAndre Thompson Parental Bereavement Protection Act, Parents should only have to deal with the grief of losing their child, they shouldn't be worried about losing their jobs because they don't have protection. It's an additional burden to be faced with returning to work so soon afterward.
It's indeed a challenging situation, and the absence of mandatory bereavement leave in Georgia highlights the need for policy changes to better support grieving parents. No parent should have to worry about job security while grieving the loss of their child. My advocacy for implementing DeAndre Thompson Parental Bereavement Protection Act, is essential in ensuring that parents can take the time they need to mourn and heal without fear of jeopardizing their employment.
The inclusion of siblings in the DeAndre Thompson Parental Bereavement Protection Act is also crucial, as they also experience profound loss and require support. Providing resources for mental health counseling, bereavement counseling, and assistance with navigating the paperwork for medical leave and short-term disability benefits is essential for both parentsand siblings.
My advocacy for these comprehensive measures will undoubtedly make a difference in the lives of so many families facing similar circumstances.
I am asking the State of Georgia to PLEASE help me get The DeAndre Thompson Parental Bereavement Protection Act in motion. I am a parent that have lost a child and I don't want any other mothers or parents FIGHTING like I did to get paid or get the necessary support they need while grieving their loved one.
PLEASE HELP BEREAVED PARENTS EVERYWHERE, not just in Georgia, but everywhere!!
My direct email is smileyconnectionsllc@gmail.com
This is for my angel son DeAndre Thompson.
DeAndre Thompson Parental Bereavement Protection Act

1,592
The Issue
DeAndre’s Parental Bereavement Protection Act aims to address the shortcomings in current FMLA laws concerning bereavement leave for parents who have lost a child. Unlike maternity leave, which is automatically categorized as a "serious medical condition" under FMLA, bereavement leave for parents is limited to only three to level of job protection.
Under the proposed act, parents who experience the loss of a child would be entitled to the same level of job protection and leave benefits as those afforded to pregnant women. This would mean extending the duration of bereavement leave to at least 12 weeks and ensuring that parents are covered under FMLA without the requirement of having worked a minimum number of hours within a specific timeframe.
Additionally, the act seeks to streamline the process for applying for bereavement leave and eliminate unnecessary paperwork that adds to the emotional strain on grieving parents. Simplifying the application process would reduce the likelihood of delays or denials, ensuring that parents can focus on grieving and supporting their families without the added stress of financial insecurity.
Overall, DeAndre’s Parental Bereavement Protection Act aims to provide much-needed support and protection for parents during one of the most difficult times in their lives, helping to alleviate the financial and emotional burdens they face after the loss of a child.
When my son lost his battle with cancer, I was expected back at work before we even were able to give him a proper burial. In Georgia, there is no requirement for employers to give bereavement leave. With The DeAndre Thompson Parental Bereavement Protection Act, Parents should only have to deal with the grief of losing their child, they shouldn't be worried about losing their jobs because they don't have protection. It's an additional burden to be faced with returning to work so soon afterward.
It's indeed a challenging situation, and the absence of mandatory bereavement leave in Georgia highlights the need for policy changes to better support grieving parents. No parent should have to worry about job security while grieving the loss of their child. My advocacy for implementing DeAndre Thompson Parental Bereavement Protection Act, is essential in ensuring that parents can take the time they need to mourn and heal without fear of jeopardizing their employment.
The inclusion of siblings in the DeAndre Thompson Parental Bereavement Protection Act is also crucial, as they also experience profound loss and require support. Providing resources for mental health counseling, bereavement counseling, and assistance with navigating the paperwork for medical leave and short-term disability benefits is essential for both parentsand siblings.
My advocacy for these comprehensive measures will undoubtedly make a difference in the lives of so many families facing similar circumstances.
I am asking the State of Georgia to PLEASE help me get The DeAndre Thompson Parental Bereavement Protection Act in motion. I am a parent that have lost a child and I don't want any other mothers or parents FIGHTING like I did to get paid or get the necessary support they need while grieving their loved one.
PLEASE HELP BEREAVED PARENTS EVERYWHERE, not just in Georgia, but everywhere!!
My direct email is smileyconnectionsllc@gmail.com
This is for my angel son DeAndre Thompson.
DeAndre Thompson Parental Bereavement Protection Act

1,592
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Petition created on March 22, 2021
