Progress has been made to pass the Healthy Families Act, an act which will provide seven paid sick days a year for workers to recover from their own illnesses or to care for sick family members. Sponsored by Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), this bill includes LGBT families.

On Thursday, June 11th, Congress held the first-ever hearing on the Act. Information from a study conducted by Human Impact Partners and the San Francisco Department of Public Healthy, commissioned by the National Partnership for Women and Families, has shown that the Healthy Families Act would significantly reduce the spread of pandemic and seasonal flu by allowing workers to comply with public health advice.

The Act would also protect the general public from the transference of germs by sick workers in restaurants and nursing homes. It would allow workers to avoid expensive hospitalization, death and would help people recover more quickly.

A new study from the Center for Economic and Policy Research finds that mandatory paid sick days do not lead to higher unemployment.

The Family Equality Council is proud to support this legislation. We encourage you to contact Congress and show them your support. Click here to get started!

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