Political Quotes

“Mr. President, Senator Alexander is here. Senator Murray will be joining us in a moment. They are the chair and ranking member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, which has jurisdiction over this very important issue of sick leave with sick pay. Many companies do that in this country. We are the only wealthy country in the world that doesn't have a real policy. As Senator Alexander says, we do this for Federal employees. It should be for more than those of us who are Federal employees. Today, we need to get help to the people who need it now: parents whose children's schools are closed; people who aren't getting paid; people who have trouble making rent or making their mortgage payments or their student loan payments. Paid sick days are one of the most important ways we do that. That is why we need to pass this bill today. Think about restaurant workers preparing our food. Think about what you do if your child's school closes down for a week. For so many people, taking a sick day means going without pay and potentially losing their jobs. Put yourself in their position. It is hard for us to do--we are lucky enough and privileged enough to have these jobs--and for most of our staff also. But think about a worker making $12 an hour. That worker has symptoms. She is the only working person in her family. She might think her illness is the coronavirus; nonetheless, her illness is debilitating enough that it is hard for her to go to work.…”