Letter: 'Senator Julie Kushner is a Champion for Working Families'

To the editor:

In 2019 Connecticut passed a bill that has changed the lives of tens of thousands of workers in Connecticut. This legislation, the result of years of advocacy by people across the state, was introduced and moved forward by State Senator Julie Kushner. That law is the Paid Family Medical Leave Program.

Thanks to this bill no one in Connecticut will have to choose between taking care of a sick relative, a newborn child, or their own health needs and being able to put food on the table. The Paid Family and Medical Leave Law provides an income to any worker who has to temporarily leave his or her job to take care of a family or medical issue.

Under this program, for example, new parents no longer must juggle vacation days, savings, and family support before they have to return to work. The paid leave program provides them with up to twelve weeks to bond and take care of their newborn. It also means that anyone in Connecticut can take time off to take care of a sick relative or have time at home to recover from serious injury or illness.

Senator Kushner led the effort to pass this legislation. Life is complicated and uncertain. Unfortunately, we all may face a medical crisis or have a child or relative who needs our help. Thanks to Julie's work, these emergencies will no longer mean scrambling to pay the bills or having to choose between taking care of ourselves or our family and financial ruin.

Paid Family Medical Leave Program defines who Julie is as a leader and legislator. She’s focused on Connecticut workers and their families, and she deserves our vote this November.

Kelly Breckenridge
15 Lawson Lane
Ridgefield, CT