At an event by the Washington Work and Family Coalition tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan. 10, Sen. Karen Keiser (D-Des Moines) and Rep. June Robinson (D-Everett) will roll out their bills on paid family and medical leave for Washington workers and families.
The two prime sponsors, along with other lawmakers, including Rep. Mike Sells, who chairs the House Labor and Workplace Standards Committee, will gather with coalition partners, workers, business owners and parents on the south portico steps in the rotunda at 12:30 p.m. to kick off their fight to pass extended paid leave for Washingtonians in the 2017 Legislative Session.
An Employment Security Department study released in November showed strong public support for a new comprehensive paid family and medical leave program, with support across party identification, gender, age and income.
Another report released earlier this week by the Center for American Progress demonstrates that despite concerns about paid family and medical leave leading to increased unemployment or other negative economic effects, employment continues to be robust. According to its findings, CAP maintains that progress can be made toward ensuring that all workers have access to paid time off and that families, businesses, and the economy experience the benefits of these policies.
WHAT: Paid Family and Medical Leave Legislation
WHO: Washington Work and Family Coalition; speakers will include legislative sponsors, business owners and workers
WHEN: Tuesday, January 10 at 12:30 p.m.
WHERE: South portico steps of the Rotunda in the Capitol Building, 416 Sid Snyder Ave SW, Olympia, WA 98504