Kaine Introduces Bill Allowing Workers To Earn Paid Sick Days

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, joined Senator Patty Murray to reintroduce the Healthy Families Act, legislation that would allow workers to earn paid sick leave to use when they are ill, need to care for a sick family member, obtain preventive care, or address the impacts of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault.

“Too often, American workers are forced to choose between taking time off to care for their health and receiving a paycheck,” said Kaine. “I’m proud to introduce this legislation to ensure workers have the option to take sick leave when they need to and still be able to pay the bills.”

The Healthy Families Act would allow workers at businesses with at least 15 employees to earn up to 56 hours, or seven days, of paid sick leave each year. Businesses that already provide paid sick leave would not have to change their current policies, as long as they meet the minimum standards of the Healthy Families Act.

Studies show that paid sick leave can reduce the spread of contagious diseases like the flu and that a national paid sick days policy would reduce emergency room visits by 1.3 million annually, saving $1.1 billion a year.

The Healthy Families Act  currently has 121 cosponsors in the House and 33 cosponsors in the Senate.

###