“No hardworking family should have to live under the threat of financial ruin, but unfortunately, too many workers today risk losing pay or employment for taking time off to care for a sick family member or new child. That’s why I fought to pass paid family leave legislation that would help combat poverty by protecting an employee’s income when family emergencies or responsibilities arise.

“While the federal Family and Medical Leave Act guarantees 12 weeks of unpaid leave to some workers so they can attend to their families’ needs, many people live paycheck to paycheck and can’t afford to lose this vital income. By requiring that all New York State employers offer paid family leave benefits, we can help ensure employees keep more of their hard-earned money and have every opportunity for the economic security they deserve.

“Providing paid family leave is the right thing to do and will give already cash-strapped workers some much-needed peace of mind when they need time to care for their loved ones. I urge the Senate and the governor to support passage of the Assembly’s paid family leave legislation, and I’ll continue the fight to lift Syracuse’s hardworking families out of poverty and build a brighter future for our communities.”

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