Dear Editor,
I am writing to express my support for the Healthy Workplaces bill H.187, which is being debated in Montpelier. The bill establishes a minimum standard of earned leave which an employee can use to manage their health and the health of their families. Currently, almost 60,000 Vermonters don’t have access to any paid time off whatsoever.
A minimum standard of earned time off will strengthen families. Every family wants what’s best for their children, but without access to earned time off, parents are often forced to choose between their family’s financial stability and their children’s health. Too many have no choice but to send a child to school sick or skip medical care. This proposal would make it easier for workers to be good employees and good parents—and will let children lead healthier lives, be more successful in school and be better prepared for the future. Seniors will also benefit when adult children can afford to take them to the doctor or care for them during an illness.
Rene LaPlante, Cavendish, Vt.
