For Colorado to remain one of the healthiest economy’s in the country we need to work together to build brighter childhoods. That iswhy establishing a statewide paid family and medical leave program for individuals to care for themselves and their families is among Illuminate Colorado’s top legislative priorities in 2020 and YOU CAN HELP make it happen. Please join us in calling the Governor and your State Representative and State Senator TODAY or the on next Paid Family and Medical Leave Day of Action Thursday, December 12, 2019.
In just a few minutes, you can build momentum for a paid family and medical leave program in Colorado by calling Governor Polis and your legislators to let them know why you support this essential program for Colorado families.
1) Please call Governor Jared Polis: 303-866-2471
2) Call your State Representative and State Senator. (Go to http://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/ and enter your address to find your legislators’ contact information.)
3) Adapt the script below to make these three quick calls whenever and wherever is best for you!
Hello, my name is_____________ and I am your constituent. I believe that every Colorado worker should be able to take paid leave to care for themselves and their families.
The creation of a paid family and medical leave social insurance program will provide the most access for workers and ensure affordability for both workers and employers.
Currently, more than 80% of Coloradans cannot take paid time off work to recover from a serious illness or injury, care for a family member who is sick or aging, or care for a new baby in their family.
Paid leave promotes family financial stability by helping families maintain employment and stay above the poverty level.
Every year, the Colorado Fatality Prevention System (CFPS) reviews tragedies and the heartbreaking circumstances surrounding the loss of a young life in great detail to arrive at a set of recommendations to prevent future loss of life — recommendations which the average citizen would likely think would immediately be acted upon.
Unfortunately, that is not the case. One way to prevent child maltreatment, and a recommendation of the CFPS backed by ample evidence, is by offering paid leave to ALL parents and caregivers in Colorado.
Studies have shown paid family leave is significantly associated with reductions in hospitalizations for abusive head trauma. Paid leave also reduces the impact of the caregiver stress and symptoms of maternal depression, which are known risk factors for child maltreatment.
Now is the time to build a Colorado for kids.
As your constituent I ask: “Will you support the creation of a social insurance program for paid family and medical leave that is affordable, accessible and adequate to all Colorado workers in 2020?”
Illuminate Colorado is proud to be among the Colorado FAMLI (Family and Medical Leave Insurance) Coalition working to create a state-wide paid family and medical leave program that all Colorado workers can access. We believe in a paid family and medical leave program that is accessible, affordable, and adequate for every Colorado worker. Because no one should have to choose between their job, their health, and their family.
Our future workforce, innovators, leaders and community members can only reach their full potential through thoughtful development and investment in services and policies that strengthen families and protect children.
It is essential for elected officials and policy makers to understand how to prevent child maltreatment and listen to parents in every community. Please join us in making the call TODAY or the next Paid Family and Medical Leave Day of Action Thursday, December 12, 2019 your support will MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE.
