We’re almost two months into the 2019 legislative session, and because you’ve raised YOUR voice, closer than ever to making paid family and medical leave a reality here in our state!
Countless workers, caregivers and supporters of paid leave testified in person, submitted written testimony, or showed solidarity and made the compelling case for REAL paid family and medical leave here in our state at the public hearing for S.B. 1 and H.B. 5003 on February 14. Click here to read powerful testimony from Kaitlyn Shake, Azzad Ishmael, Robin Gilmartin, and Pat Comerford.
Then, less than a week later on February 19, the Labor and Public Employees Committee voted to advance S.B. 1 and H.B. 5003! Now, both bills await further action from the House and Senate floor.
On February 20, Governor Ned Lamont unveiled his budget for the next two years, which includes a $5.2 million appropriation to the Department of Labor to start of a paid and family medical leave program. Governor Lamont also introduced S.B. 881: An Act Establishing a Paid Family and Medical Leave Program.
The Governor’s paid family and medical leave bill, S.B. 881, is substantially similar to S.B. 1 and H.B. 5003 because it:
- Covers all workers of employers with one or more employees
- Provides job protection for all workers taking paid leave
- Provides up to 12 weeks of leave for the same reasons defined in Connecticut’s unpaid Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), including to recover from an illness, care for an ill loved one, or welcome a new child.
The Governor’s paid family and medical leave bill also differs from S.B. 1 and H.B. 5003 in a few ways. Click here for more information and the Campaign’s stance on each difference.
Now is the time to make YOUR voice heard for paid family and medical leave! Contact your legislator to tell them that you support real, accessible, comprehensive paid family and medical leave. Unsure who represents you? Click here for more info.
Sample Script:
Hello Representative/Senator ____,
My name is [YOUR NAME] and I strongly support paid family and medical leave. Too many workers in our state risk their financial security when they need to recover from an illness, or care for the family they love. As a regular voter in this state, I strongly support paid family and medical leave.
[IF YOU HAVE A PERSONAL STORY, BRIEFLY STATE IT HERE – especially focus on the need for a program that provides high wage replacement and an inclusive definition of family!]
I hope you will do your part in making paid leave a reality this session by supporting real, accessible paid family and medical leave. Thank you.
By: Alisha Soto, MSW Intern at CWEALF
