Political Quotes

“To discuss our proposal, I yield such time as she may consume to the distinguished 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. What is the Healthy Families Act? It is an act that would allow workers to earn up to 7 days of job-protected sick leave each year. Mr. Speaker, 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 our 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. With regard to families, I listen to people--as we all do in our communities--all of the time. I can talk to you about Eva, the bus driver who picks up kids in the morning on their way to school. They are there with their parents, and she says that I see parents with tears in their eyes as they are putting their child on the bus, knowing that their child is sick, but they can't afford to stay home with that child because they could lose their job.…”