“I am currently on (unpaid) maternity leave after the birth of my second child. I have had to limit the enrollment of my oldest in preschool to save money and I’m only able to afford to send her at all because I’m fortunate enough to have savings to dip into. If I did return to work now, I would struggle to find quality care for my infant at this age (7 weeks) and also my entire salary (or more) would go towards paying for care for my two kids (perhaps public preschool beyond magnet lotteries is next?) I know that I am lucky to be able to take unpaid leave. I know that paid leave would directly benefit not only myself, but every family in this state who navigates the complexities of this issue just to create the families in this state.”
Naomi, South Windsor CT
