Political Quotes

“I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro). Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the previous question. Defeating the previous question will allow us to amend the rule to provide for consideration of the Healthy Families Act. It is an act that would allow workers to earn up to 7 days of job-protected sick leave every year. Being a working parent should not mean choosing between your job and taking care of yourself and your family. But at least 43 million private sector workers, 39 percent of the workforce, must make this decision every time illness strikes. Millions more cannot earn paid sick time to care for a sick child or for a family member. Employers ultimately suffer when workers have to make this choice. Increased turnover rates amount to greater costs. And employers can jeopardize the health of other employees when their policies force employees to come to work sick. Paid sick days policies have been enacted successfully at the State and local levels. Nearly 20 jurisdictions across the country have adopted paid sick day laws, and there is strong public support for universal access to paid sick days. Eighty-eight percent of Americans support paid sick days legislation. The Healthy Families Act allows working families to meet their health and financial needs while boosting businesses' productivity and retention rates. It ultimately strengthens this Nation's economy.…”