On the recordMarch 11, 2020
as I watch up close and from afar Senator Alexander's and Senator Murray's so often working together on issues like this, I absolutely believe Senator Alexander when he says it is a good idea. Yet, as Senator Murray just said, there are all kinds of costs being imposed on businesses as a result of people who go to work sick. It is also more expensive for public hospitals and more expensive as more people get sick and what that means to Medicaid. These costs are impossible to quantify today with our not having a sick leave policy. A year from now, we will be able to look back on what the costs really were, and they will have been overwhelming. A solid, coherent sick leave policy--something modest like Senator Murray is calling for--could really make a difference. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Colorado. Remembering Felix Sparks
