Brooklyn, NY – June 8, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — It happens to all of us. Everyone who works, at some point, will need to take time off to care for a family member in a need – a sick parent or spouse, or a new baby to welcome into the world.
But for the millions of New Yorkers have no paid family leave where they work, a family emergency could mean mounting debt, unpaid bills, and even losing their home.
For years, the Working Families Party has championed a statewide Paid Family Leave program, one that would give working people a hand up through tough times. But with our defeat of the Senate Republicans last fall – this is our best chance ever to make it happen.
On Friday, the Senate introduced a Paid Family Leave bill that already has 27 co-sponsors, but the session in Albany ends in just two weeks! Send a message to your legislator: pass Paid Family Leave!
Having a family emergency or a new baby is one of the leading causes of “poverty spells” – when a family emergency means missed work and making ends meet is even harder. And too often, caregivers and new moms and dads have to return to work when their families still need them. Studies show, families without paid family leave actually have a higher rate of infant mortality.
We can change that. The Paid Family Leave bill that’s gaining momentum in Albany would give New Yorkers 12 paid weeks of family leave: time to care for loved ones in need without worrying about putting food on your family’s table or falling behind on your mortgage. Paid for through a tiny tax – 45 cents! – Paid Family Leave would mean a critical new benefit for working families without burdening employers and small businesses.
Now’s our chance. The bill’s been introduced with lots of support, but we’ve got just two weeks to get it passed. Use our online tool to tell your legislator to pass Paid Family Leave.
For Press Inquiries Contact
Dan Levitan
(718) 222-3796 ext 237
dlevitan [at] workingfamiliesparty.org
