FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: AUGUST 29, 2023
JOINT STATEMENT
MADISON, Wis. – In anticipation of the September 20 Special Session of the State Legislature, 17 organizations released a joint statement today, calling on members in the Republican-controlled Legislature to seriously consider the need for policies like paid family and medical leave to improve the wellbeing of families and our economy.
“We all deserve to be with loved ones and to know our jobs are safe when we are healthy enough to return to work. But over the past few months, as Governor Tony Evers and Democrats in the State Legislature have repeatedly advocated for policies like paid family and medical leave, the Republican-controlled Legislature has refused to recognize the need to support workers across the state.
“Roughly 2.4 million workers across Wisconsin – or 77 percent of working people – do not have access to paid leave through their jobs. A paid family and medical leave policy would ensure all workers across the Badger State have the time to care for themselves or for their loved ones when unexpected moments arise – without worrying about making ends meet.. And it’s incredibly popular with Wisconsinites – according to a Marquette Poll, 73 percent of voters support requiring businesses to provide paid leave for mothers and fathers of new babies, including 62 percent of Republicans.
“Over the next few weeks, we will be reaching out to lawmakers to ensure they hear firsthand just how popular paid leave is among voters. We urge the Republican-controlled State Legislature to seriously consider the benefits of paid family and medical leave for working families in Wisconsin at the September 20 Special Session.”
Learn more about the fight for paid family and medical leave in Wisconsin here.
###
9to5, National Association of Working Women
A Better Wisconsin Together
BLOC
Citizen Action
Family Friendly Wisconsin
For Our Future
Kids Forward
Leaders of Kenosha
Mid-Day Women’s Alliance of Appleton
Opportunity Wisconsin
Planned Parenthood Advocates of WI
Progress North
The Wisconsin Initiative
Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault
Wisconsin Doulas of Color Collective
Wisconsin Faith Voice for Justice
Wisconsin Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals