FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE:
Thursday, January 6th, 2022
CONTACT: Erin McCann
303-746-2365
Bill Sponsors, Doctors, Small Business Owners Celebrate Access to Paid Sick Days and COVID Leave on Press Call Today
Denver, CO — Today, Senator Jeff Bridges (D-Greenwood Village) and Representative Yadira Caraveo (D-Thornton) joined Colorado doctors, small business owners, and advocates on a press call to celebrate the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act taking effect on January 1st. Senate Bill 205, which passed in 2020, ensures that all Coloradans can earn paid sick days. As the omicron variant surges across the county, the bill also provides 80 hours of COVID-19 leave. The bill took effect in January 2021 for businesses with more than 16 employees.
“No Coloradan should have to choose between staying home when they’re sick and putting food on the table,” said Senate Bill 205 bill sponsor Senator Bridges. “It’s much better for the economy if people stay home when they have COVID. Our bill makes sure that folks still get a paycheck while they do what’s best for themselves, their families, and our entire state.”
Senate Bill 205 allows Colorado workers to earn 1 hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked and workers can earn and use up to 48 hours (6 days) of paid sick time per year. Employers are not required to pay the balance of sick days to employees when they leave. Before this legislation passed, 40 percent of Colorado’s workforce did not have the ability to earn paid sick days at their jobs. Those least likely to have paid sick days were people in the service industry: the Coloradans who serve us food, stock our shelves, clean our public spaces and care for us.
“As a pediatrician, I have seen firsthand the severe effects of COVID-19 and the strain families are under as they work to protect themselves and their children,” said Senate Bill 205 bill sponsor Rep. Caraveo. “When people have paid sick days, it means that they are more likely to go to the doctor and get the care they need and stay home to prevent further spread of the disease. We are thrilled this legislation has taken full effect, as another important tool to help us combat this pandemic.”
Studies show that when employees come to work sick, it costs the U.S. economy approximately $160 billion per year—and that was before the coronavirus pandemic. Studies also show that providing paid sick days allows businesses to benefit from higher employee productivity, healthier workplaces, and lower employee turnover.
“Now, more than ever, the small business workforce in Colorado needs paid sick leave to support a sustainable recovery as the pandemic continues to surge,” said Emilie Aries, Founder & CEO of Bossed Up in Denver. “As a small business owner and new mom to a 3.5-month-old, I don’t want any of my employees feeling obligated to come to work ill – putting myself, my family, and their fellow colleagues at risk – because they can’t afford a sick day. No one should have to choose between making a living or caring for themselves or a loved one. I’m excited to see that the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act is now law, promoting safer workplaces while also leveling the playing field for smaller employers like me who can now compete with larger corporations, who’ve long offered these kinds of benefits,to attract top talent in this competitive market.”
When people can earn paid sick days, they are more likely to go to the doctor and seek out medicine, and their kids are more likely to receive check-ups and the preemptive care they need. On the other hand, families that can’t earn paid sick days are twice as likely to send their child to school sick.
“As a medical professional, I want to thank the bill sponsors and Governor Polis for passing the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act that has now taken effect for all Coloradans,” said E.R. Doctor Kristen Nordenholz. “When people can earn paid sick days, they are more likely to get critical care and seek out medicine, and kids are more likely to get check-ups and preventive care — before they get to my ER.”
A 2020 poll found that 78%, or nearly four in five, Coloradans supported allowing all employees the opportunity to earn paid sick leave to care for their own health needs or those of a family member. 70% of households with a small business owner polled also supported the legislation to provide paid sick days.
“Working in a grocery store, I’ve been working on the front lines of this pandemic to keep our communities fed,” said Colorado grocery store worker Carol McMillian. “Having paid sick days is a godsend because they allow my coworkers and I to feel safer coming into work. If my coworkers can’t stay home when they’re sick, we end up with an environment where everyone gets sick and customers are at risk too.”
Senate Bill 205 was also sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder) and former Speaker of the House KC Becker (D-Boulder). People interested in learning more about this legislation or concerned about ensuring their access to paid sick leave can check out this resource from A Better Balance.
You can view today’s press conference here.