Family Values @ Work Commends Sens. Murray, Gillibrand, Rep. DeLauro for Introducing the P.A.I.D. Leave Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARCH 17, 2020

The Family Values @ Work network, 27 state coalitions working for paid sick & safe days, family & medical leave insurance and other policies that value families at work, is urging the Senate to pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.  We are also looking ahead to the urgent next phase of response. Today, Wendy Chun-Hoon, executive director of Family Values @ Work, issued the following statement upon the introduction of the P.A.I.D. Leave Act by Senators Gillibrand and Murray and Representative DeLauro:

Our network applauds Senators Patty Murray and Kirsten Gillibrand and Representative Rosa DeLauro for introducing the P.A.I.D. Leave Act, legislation that will extend access to paid sick time and paid family and medical leave to all workers. This legislation addresses a key component of  stopping the spread of the coronavirus identified by all public health experts: giving people affordable time to heal and provide care.

This bill is a huge step forward in the national movement for paid leave. It provides paid time to care both during public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and permanently in the future. These protections mean workers won’t have to choose between taking time to heal or keeping a roof over their head. It recognizes the crucial role of caregivers, includes time for independent contractors, and during a public health emergency, allows for use of the time for the full range of reasons people may be away from their jobs. By providing for rapid reimbursement rather than relying on tax credits, this legislation removes a significant barrier for small businesses. It will be life-changing for American families. 

Senators Murray and Gillibrand, and Rep. DeLauro understand that this nation is only as healthy as its most vulnerable. They’ve put forth legislation to protect us all, no matter where we live, where we work, or who we care for. With the steady incursion of the coronavirus, we do not have time to play politics with public health. We urge Congress to quickly take up and vote on a third coronavirus response package that includes the P.A.I.D. Leave Act.

For media inquiries please contact Safiya Simmons at (414) 436-9536 or info@familyvaluesatwork.org

###