DELAWARE – On Monday morning, over 35 Delaware organizations formed a coalition to approve paid family and sick leave. For several years now, some families in Delaware have had to choose between work and family support. If enacted, this law would allow families to take 12 weeks of paid family or sick leave.
One of the sponsors of this bill, State Senator Sarah McBride, says, “For those who live from paycheck to paycheck, not only can paid family and sick leave be the support they need, in many cases it can be life-saving “Organization directors say the pandemic has forced many Delawareeans to make career-family choices.
However, many say this was a persistent problem even before the pandemic. “The pandemic has given us the opportunity to take a look at our existing systems and make changes to improve our communities,” says coalition organizer Taysheia Grier.
Organizers tell 47 ABC that there are many families in Delaware who experience medical emergencies but still have to opt for financial support for their families rather than physically looking after them. “I don’t want my home when I don’t have my child and my child needs a home and I need a paycheck to pay for the things Christopher needs,” says attorney Nancy Lemus. Lemus has a son with a debilitating disability and has to keep working due to medical and house expenses just to get through and care for her son. However, she states that it is difficult not to be able to be there for her son.
According to Senator McBride, many companies want to give their employees paid vacation when they need it, but simply don’t have the means. Senator McBride said that if there were statewide legislation, all businesses, large and small, would be able to provide assistance to their employees. “We can’t stop the loss, we can’t prevent tragedy from occurring in any circumstance, but we can make life a little easier in difficult times,” says Sen. McBride.
Coalition organizers say that when it is over many families would benefit greatly as many still struggle to stay afloat during these times. “I’m his lawyer, I’m his voice and I feel his pain and I wasn’t there to do these things for him,” says Lemus. Another lawyer and father adds, “Somehow you can always get another job, but you can’t get another family if something happens.”
Senator McBride also says she hopes this will be supported by two parties. She adds that if you support this law you should contact local lawmakers and tell them to support paid family and sick leave for Delaware residents.
Senator McBride, Senate Majority Leader Bryan Townsend, and State Representative Debra Heffernan are expected to legislate on the matter in the coming months.
Comments are closed.