FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Media Contact 

Janel Knight Trulear 

janel@emccommunications.com 

(617) 875-6581 

Small business group applauds the introduction of bipartisan paid family leave legislation

Statement from Small Business for America's Future Co-Chair Walt Rowen, President of Susquehanna Glass Company in Columbia, Pennsylvania on bipartisan paid family leave legislation

COLUMBIA, Pa, July 16, 2026 – "The introduction of bipartisan paid family leave legislation by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Senator John Boozman (R-AR) is an encouraging sign for small business owners like me. Paid family leave should not be a partisan issue. It affects every family, in every state, no matter who they voted for, and it's good to see two senators from different parties willing to work on it together.

“A good number of the people on my team at Susquehanna Glass Company are parents. I’ve watched them try to juggle a new baby or a sick child with showing up for work. I know what a difference support would make for them. It tells them their family matters as much as their job, and it means they don’t have to choose between the two. It benefits my business too. When I can keep good people instead of losing them, I’m not starting the training process all over again, and that’s better for productivity and my bottom line.”

"I want to thank Senator Gillibrand and Senator Boozman for bringing this forward together. We look forward to working with their offices in seeing this measure through."

To schedule an interview with a representative from Small Business for America's Future, contact Janel Knight Trulear at janel@emccommunications.com or (617) 875-6581.

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About Small Business for America's Future 

Small Business for America's Future is a national coalition of small business owners and leaders advocating for policy solutions that promote a thriving, inclusive economy. We work to ensure that lawmakers prioritize the needs of Main Street, advancing a just and equitable economic framework for small business owners, their employees, and their communities. For more information, visit www.smallbusinessforamericasfuture.org