Budget Stand-Off Blocks Passage of Paid Sick Days Bill

Statement by California Labor Federation Legislative Director Angie Wei

 

“Workers across the state are disappointed that the Senate Appropriations Committee failed to approve the paid sick days bill, AB 2716. But we aren't necessarily surprised, given California’s structural budget shortfall.

“The current budget deficit has made it impossible to continue to move Assemblywoman Fiona Ma’s (D- San Francisco) ground-breaking bill that would allow all California workers to earn paid sick days. The fate of this popular, commonsense policy during this budgetary limbo is yet another reason why California desperately needs real budget solutions.

“The paid sick days bill has the support of more than 70 organizations statewide, and is widely popular among California voters. According to a Field Research poll released this week, three out of four Californians believe that paid sick days should be a basic labor standard for everyone. Public support stretches across all demographics and party lines.

“Additionally, a report released last week by the Human Impact Partners and researchers at the San Francisco Department of Health found significant positive public health impacts of AB 2716. According to the study, guaranteed paid sick days would reduce the risk of transmitting communicable diseases in California’s restaurants and long-term care facilities.

“Experts, lawmakers and voters agree that public health should be a top priority for
California. But a handful of greedy conservatives who refuse to close tax loopholes for the state’s wealthiest have stalled our opportunity to make significant improvements to public health this year.

“We will continue to work hard to ensure that no workers have to risk losing a day’s pay, or even their job, when they or their child becomes ill. In the coming months, we will be gaining even more public support and building our coalition as we prepare to reintroduce this bill next year.”

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The studies referenced in this statement can be found at www.PaidSickDaysCA.org.