The Passing of This Bill Will Change Everything For Working Parents

It's difficult for many working parents to take time off of work to participate in their kid's school activities. But a new bill that would offer paid time off for field trips and other school programming could solve that problem. If it passes, parents would receive three paid days off each year. However, small businesses of 25 employees or less would be exempt from this requirement.

The reason for this bill is that being more present in your child's school life proves to have long-term benefits.

"Studies show that this greatly improves your child's educational chances in life," California State Assemblyman Mike Gatto, who conceived the bill, told ABC 13. "And it's really critical that we give parents this opportunity to do it without forcing them to make the tough decision between paying the bills and being involved."

The legislation must still be approved before being introduced to the state senate. Many parents who are willing to be more involved in their kid's class activities simply can't afford to do so. But businesses that can't afford to grant employees that paid time off may be a huge reason why this bill will have difficulty passing.

It might be a while before any action takes place, but this bill is exactly what working parents need.