Today, the New York State Senate passed S.172 – a critical step toward fixing New York’s broken paid medical leave system by providing working New Yorkers with economic stability and job security when facing a serious health condition.
The following is a statement from Jesse Workman, A Better Balance senior staff attorney, on behalf of the Fix Paid Leave New York coalition:
“We applaud the Senate and our bill sponsor, Senator Ramos, for standing with workers and their families across the state. The Assembly now must follow suit.
Since 1989, New Yorkers facing a serious illness and needing to take time off of work have been expected to survive on just $170 per week in Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) benefits. They receive no job protection, no guaranteed continuation of health insurance, and no ability to take intermittent leave. This is unacceptable.
The Assembly does not need to look for proof that a better system works. Neighboring New Jersey and Connecticut provide workers with more than $1,000 per week in paid medical leave benefits, along with job protection and continued health insurance coverage. These programs have been successful, helping working families stay afloat during difficult times with no reported negative impacts on their economies.
The Senate has taken action to fix New York’s paid medical leave system through TDI reform. Now it’s the Assembly’s turn. The companion bill, A.9571, has 110 co-sponsors, broad bipartisan support, and the backing of workers, advocates, small businesses, chambers of commerce, and health organizations across New York. There is no justification for further delay.
Every day the Assembly fails to act is another day New Yorkers facing cancer, pregnancy complications, serious injuries, and other health conditions are left with an inadequate safety net. The Fix Paid Leave New York coalition urges Speaker Heastie and the Assembly to pass A.9571 immediately and send paid medical leave reform to the Governor’s desk.”
About the Fix Paid Leave New York Coalition: The Fix Paid Leave New York Coalition is a broad, statewide coalition of labor unions, worker justice advocates, legal and civil rights organizations, health and disability advocates, child and family-focused groups, community organizations, and small businesses united around modernizing New York’s outdated paid medical leave system. Together, coalition members represent workers, patients, families, advocates, and employers across New York who recognize that no one should be pushed into financial crisis simply because they get sick or need time to recover.