Friend,
Now that the coronavirus has been deemed a pandemic, health experts are stressing that it is crucial for people who are sick to stay home from work and for everyone to practice “social distancing” to minimize the risks of infection.
But for too many workers in this country, that doesn’t feel like a financial possibility, because the United States is one of the few wealthy countries in the world not to offer guaranteed paid sick leave for all workers.
Millions of people, particularly those who work in the restaurant and service industries, or in the gig economy, often push through and go to work regardless of their or their families’ health out of necessity: they simply can’t afford to lose a paycheck and be unable to pay their bills or put food on the table.
It shouldn’t be this way. And it doesn’t have to be.
That’s why House Democrats have introduced legislation to guarantee paid sick leave to every worker in the United States, and I’m proud to be a cosponsor.
Sadly, Republicans thus far blocked this bill in the Senate, denying American workers the right to paid leave in the face of this growing public health crisis. Not only is this wrong-headed, it’s an actual threat to public safety.
If you believe staying home when you're sick shouldn't mean losing a paycheck, add your name to show your support and urge Congress to pass universal paid sick leave now.
I think we can all agree: this shouldn’t be a partisan issue. Let’s do right by the American people and pass guaranteed paid sick leave ASAP so we can help stop the spread of this virus.
Thanks,
Adam
