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[Release] As politicians in Colorado and Washington DC prioritize Paid Family Leave the Centennial Institute to convene roundtable discussions on a conservative approach

Dec. 20, 2019
LAKEWOOD, Colo. — The issue of paid family leave is one of the most talked-about issues at both the state and federal levels. Colorado legislators have made passing a paid family leave bill one of their top priorities in 2020. Ivanka Trump is working at the federal level to expand paid family leave. The Centennial Institute, in partnership with the Colorado Women’s Alliance, will be hosting a series of roundtable discussions in January with conservatives across Colorado to explore the issues at stake in the proposed paid family leave proposals.

“Our state’s legislature and our federal government have each made this a top legislative priority in 2020. As conservatives, we value both limited government and strong families,” says Mr. Jeff Hunt, Director of the Centennial Institute. “Therefore, it is critical that conservatives play a constructive role in identifying policies that meet the needs of families without burdening businesses or expanding government spending.”

The Centennial Institute will be partnering with Joni Inman, Executive Director of the Colorado Women’s Alliance and Frank McNulty, former Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives for these series of roundtables.

“We are seeking a solution that balances compassion and nurturing of families with fiscal responsibility while, at the same time, avoiding undue pressure on small businesses, many of which are owned by women. This is not an easy task. We’re hopeful that participants will bring innovative, new ideas to the table,” says Joni Inman, Executive Director, Colorado Women’s Alliance.

“Conservatives must have solutions to real world challenges families face today,” declares Frank McNulty, former Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives. “The paid family leave conversation is no different. Leftists are pushing for the government to monopolize family leave. We disagree with that approach. The goal of these roundtables is to empower families, not government.”

Perspectives gained from the listening sessions will help shape recommendations from The Centennial Institute to elected officials throughout the United States. Roundtables will occur in Greeley, Grand Junction, Pueblo, and Lakewood.

This week, the United States Congress overwhelmingly passed paid family leave benefits for federal employees in an effort championed by first daughter Ivanka Trump and led by a broad coalition of Democrats and Republicans.
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The Centennial Institute at Colorado Christian University works to enhance public understanding of the most important issues relating to faith, family and freedom. As part of this endeavor, the Institute focuses its efforts on conducting research, analyzing public policy options and sponsoring seminars, conferences, and other activities that involve students, faculty, staff and outside experts. Each summer, it is the host of the nation’s largest annual conservative gathering west of the Mississippi, the Western Conservative Summit.

Web | ccu.edu/centennial      

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Colorado Christian University is located in Lakewood, Colorado, a suburb of Denver. Founded in 1914, CCU is the flagship Christian university in the Rocky Mountain region. A leader in higher education, the University is consistently ranked in the top two percent of colleges nationwide for its core curriculum by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni.

CCU offers undergraduate and graduate degrees for traditional and adult students through its College of Undergraduate Studies and College of Adult and Graduate Studies. More than 8,000 students attend the University on the main campus, in regional centers throughout Colorado, and online. CCU is an NCAA Division II university in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC)