DeLauro Statement on Proposed New York City Paid Sick Days Legislation

NEW HAVEN, CT—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) released thefollowing statement on news New York City leaders have come to an agreement onlegislation ensuring workers have the ability to earn paid sick days. DeLaurois a longtime supporter of such policy and just last week reintroduced the HealthyFamilies Act, which would establish paid sick days nationally.

"Word that New York City leaders have come to an agreement onpaid sick days is wonderful news for the men and women who will no longer haveto choose between their own health, or that of their family, and a paycheck. Ilook forward to seeing this bill move through the City Council and MayorBloomberg signing it into law.

"Tonight's news is a clear sign that momentum is growingacross the country for family-friendly policies such as paid sick days.Business leaders and elected officials alike know it is not only good forworkers, but also for businesses who have lower retention costs and greaterproductivity, as well as the broader economy. I hope congressional leadersrecognize this and take up the Healthy Families Act to ensure peopleacross the country have the same rights as those in Seattle, San Francisco,Washington DC, Connecticut and—hopefully soon—New York City."

The Healthy Families Act would allow workers to earnpaid sick leave to use when they are sick, to care for a sick family member, toobtain preventive care, or to address the impacts of domestic violence. DeLaurohas introduced it every year since 2004 and currently serves as the seniorDemocrat on the subcommittee responsible for funding the Department of Labor.Her home state of Connecticut was the first in the nation to ensure serviceworkers have access to paid sick leave.

Please click hereto read more about the Healthy Families Act.