expand eligibility of the Family Medical Leave Act. Many grandchildren are responsible for the care of grandparents.

The Family Medical Leave Act's eligibility requirements leaves out an important group -- grandchildren. Many grandsons and granddaughters have power of attorney and health care representative status and the support of health care teams to manage their loved one's care. Unfortunately, this relationship is not eligible or recognized un the FMLA act. We urge the executive and legislative branches to expand the FMLA act to cover such situations. As more senior Americans face health issues, often times it is left to the grandchildren to manage care. State and federal governments should not put roadblocks in their way. They should encourage responsible adults to become involved in caring for our elders without penalty.