Children Quote by Carolyn Maloney
“You see we're a country that talks about family values. But we haven't passed anything to help family values since the Family and Medical Leave Act. And the Family and Medical Leave Act was one of the first things I voted on when I came to Congress. It was very thrilling to me, because when my first child was born, I was terrified of being fired. When my second child was born, I was a member of the city council, and in some ways it was easier to respond to 250 constituents than it was to respond to one employer.”
About This Quote
Source Congressional Record, 2009
Highlights the gap between proclaimed family values and legislative action, using personal experience.
In simple terms: Talk about values but don’t act on them.
Key Takeaway
Push for policies that match stated values.
Themes
politics
family
policy
accountability
Mood
concerned
determined
Type
political
inspirational
When to use this quote
- family leave advocacy
- constituent outreach
- career transition
Key Concepts
legislative process
public service
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens hold leaders accountable?
- What policies best support families today?
A Different Perspective
Political compromise may dilute reforms.
![“No one thinks she [Carolyn Maloney] can pass the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act; she passed it through the House. I mean, it's just - she's there. She knows the issues and she makes sure they get done.” quote by Eleanor Smeal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/afe/eleanor-smeal-14458_done_no-one-thinks-she-carolyn-maloney-can-pa_3138779.jpg)
