86% of the public favors legislation that would mandate seven paid sick days per year for all employers, according to study sponsored by the Public Welfare Fund in collaboration with the National Partnership of Women and Families. Even when the public is asked about mandating nine paid sick days per year, 71% still support the proposed legislation. The study found that paid sick days legislation enjoys deep public support across all demographics and political leanings, including large majorities of Republicans as well as Democrats.
Last fall, Rhode Island Health Department Director David Gifford missed a key press briefing about the state’s effort to combat the H1N1 flu pandemic. He wasn’t shirking his duty — in fact, Rhode Island received national praise for its H1N1 response, and ranked first among states in the rate of vaccination. On the contrary, Dr. Gifford was doing what he advised all Rhode Islanders to do: he stayed home that day because he was feeling sick.
Building on successful wins in approving paid sick days law at the city
level in San Francisco, Milwaukee and Washington, D.C., an increasing
number of states have introduced paid sick days bills to make sure
parents are not forced to choose between their job and staying home to
take care of themselves or a sick loved one. Seventeen states in 2010
have introduced paid sick days legislation (click map at right) and a
number of others not in session this year are planning to introduce it
in 2011.
Building on successful wins in approving paid sick days law at the city level in San Francisco, Milwaukee and Washington, D.C., an increasing number of states have introduced paid sick days bills to make sure parents are not forced to choose between their job and staying home to take care of themselves or a sick loved one. Seventeen states in 2010 have introduced paid sick days
On Thursday, November 19th, at 4:00pm EST, Progressive States Network held a national conference call with state legislators, advocate leaders, and researchers on how to build policy
campaigns supporting paid sick days around the country.
