“No one with stomach flu or strep throat should have to choose between going to work or losing a paycheck if they take time off to recover. No mom or dad should lose pay because they need to care for a sick child. No domestic violence or sexual assault survivor should go without pay for taking the time to obtain a restraining order. But moms, working people, and caregivers face those and other impossible choices every day because Congress has failed to pass a national earned sick days policy. That can change, now that the Healthy Families Act has been reintroduced in both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate. Its passage is a high priority for America’s moms, and it should be for every member of Congress.

“We thank U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) and U.S. Representative Rose DeLauro (D-CT) for introducing and championing this legislation, which is urgently needed at this time when 20% of our private sector workforce, or more than 25 million U.S. workers, cannot earn a single paid sick day. Even more working people cannot earn paid sick time to care for a sick child or family member.  

“The absence of this policy doesn’t just hurt moms, it hurts businesses and our economy. Presenteeism, which is working while sick (often due to a lack of sick days), costs businesses up to $150 billion annually, which is nearly 10 times more than the cost of absenteeism. Given the cost of inaction, it’s not surprising that more than 91% of countries already guarantee paid time off of some kind – and it’s past time for our nation to catch up.

“Access to earned sick days shouldn’t depend on your zip code or your employer. A national earned sick and safe leave program would strengthen families, businesses, our public health and our economy. Congress must pass the Healthy Families Act very soon.”

– Statement of Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, Executive Director and CEO, MomsRising

“Cities and states across the nation have passed paid sick and safe time laws, proving without question that they benefit working people, families, businesses, and the public health. It is long past time that Congress do so, too.

“This bill would allow workers to earn a minimum of one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked, up to 56 hours (seven days) per year. That time could be used to recover from illnesses, care for a sick family member, access preventive health care, or attend school meetings related to a child’s health or disability. It would allow workers who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking to use their paid sick days to recover or seek assistance.

“Everyone deserves time to care for their loved ones and recover from illness themselves without risking their jobs or financial security. At MomsRising, we will fight for the speedy passage of the Healthy Families Act because we know it would make our communities and our country healthier and more successful. The time to pass it is now.”

– Statement of Ruth Martin, Senior Vice President & Chief Workplace Justice Officer, MomsRising