WASHINGTON: After learning about the conclusions of the Office of Personnel Management's study on paid parental leave which Representative Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY14) requested as part of the FY01 Treasury Postal appropriations bill, Mrs. Maloney released the following statement:

"I was shocked to learn that the conclusion of the OPM study of paid parental leave was that we don't need it and we don't want it. I don't know who "we" is, but if OPM would have taken the time to survey employees of the federal workforce, I think the conclusion would be much different.

Since the introduction of my bill last Congress, H.R. 4567 "Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act of 2000," I have received calls, letters and e-mails from around the country inquiring about the status of the bill. These were calls from men and women who are trying to balance the needs of work and family. The majority of whom are trying to make ends meet and cannot afford to take leave without pay when challenged with the financial responsibilities of a new child.

At a time when the federal government is faced with a large portion of its workforce preparing for retirement, we must win back dedicated and qualified workers to serve the federal government. Part of this effort must be focused on giving a benefit that is already being offered by the majority of family-friendly, private sector companies.

I plan to reintroduce this bill and move forward to provide federal workers with a more family-friendly workplace. I also intend to write OPM to ask them to brief me on the findings of their study."