This afternoon, the Maryland State Senate followed the House of Delegates’ lead by voting to override Governor Hogan’s veto of HB1. After years of waiting and advocating for this bill, earned sick days will finally be a reality for workers in our state. This is a huge victory for Maryland’s working families and a momentous day for Maryland.
 
More than 700,000 Maryland workers have suffered without paid sick days for too long, forced to make the awful choice between taking time off work to recuperate – or to stay home with a sick child – and earning a paycheck. Thanks to the Healthy Working Families Act, hundreds of thousands of workers will now be able to earn sick leave, ensuring that they can take the time they need when they or a family member falls ill, without risking their job. This law will give financial security and peace of mind to workers and stability to Maryland businesses. It will be a boon for our families, our economy and our public health.
 
MomsRising is proud to have been part of the powerful Working Matters Coalition, which has provided essential leadership in the push to pass HB1. But ultimately, this victory belongs to the thousands of Marylanders who wrote letters, called their legislators, visited the State Capitol and shared their personal stories about why they need paid sick leave. It’s thanks to their tireless advocacy that this bill will now become law.