Issue Position: Fighting for Our Families

Issue Position

wo issues currently before the State Legislature speak directly to how ardently we believe in basic economic fairness and equity.

The first -- extending family paid medical leave to the nearly one million workers who are excluded under federal law because they work for employers with under 50 people -- ensures that both men and women have time to bond with their newborn or adopted child, that children have the opportunity to care for a sick or dying parent, that an unforeseen medical emergency does not bankrupt a family or force an individual to choose between employment and caring for a loved one.

The program would be overseen by the treasurer and replicate a similar law in place in Rhode Island, New York, and California. I fully support it -- as I do pay equity.

Massachusetts led the nation when it passed the first equal pay bill. That was in 1946. It's beyond time for an update.

Women still earn only 82% of what Massachusetts men make. And women in retirement have less savings and smaller social security checks as a result of chronic underpayment. However, since 40% of women are now the head of a household, pay equity is not just a women's issue; it's an issue of economic security for working families.

As political director for Maura Healey, I fought for pay equity and I helped build an advocacy campaign called "She's Worth It" that called on the legislature to pass this bill. Today, business leaders across the state have joined the cause and even the Boston Chamber of Commerce has endorsed passage of the pay equity bill.

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