There’s a new idea out of D.C. from Senator Marco Rubio and Ivanka Trump for a paid-leave policy that would pull from Social Security. Align Public Strategies explains the politics behind the Rubio plan and how both parties will attempt to get credit if and when some type of paid-leave policy passes.

Meanwhile, business operators are getting pulled into a conversation over the infant mortality rate. The reasons behind the higher rate, compared with other countries, vary, but none of them reflect well on the U.S. Align Public Strategies explains the connection between the infant mortality rate and paid-leave policies and entry-level pay.

This podcast episode also contains a discussion on a highly publicized economic study on the effects of raising the minimum wage, plus this week’s legislative scorecard.

Align Public Strategies is a full-service public affairs and creative firm that helps corporate brands, governments and non-profit organizations navigate the outside world and inform their internal decision-making. This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of Nation's Restaurant News or Restaurant Hospitality.