We can't wait another second for paid sick leave.
Inaction leads to paralyses, which leads to hopelessness. There are a lot of things we can be doing right now to prepare ourselves, our families, our congregations, and communities for CoVid-19 coronavirus. Please visit and read the resources put out on the UCC website for important information on making sure we are taking the best steps possible.
You might be asking yourself, what else can I do? The actions of Congress and the Administration have an enormous impact on our national response to public health threats. An emergency funding bill has been passed to shore up health systems, purchase and manufacture needed supplies, and advance the capacity for the development of medical countermeasures.
Another critical issue to address is paid sick leave. Public health experts advise that the best way to stop the spread of a virus is to stay home if you are sick. But our national infrastructure is designed so that many people will then have to make the choice between staying home and losing their source of income. We’re asking that Congress pass the “Sick Days for Public Health Emergencies and Personal and Family Care Act” (S. 3415/H.R. 6150) offered by Senator Murray and Representative DeLauro. This legislation would require the availability of 14 days of paid leave in a declared public emergency, such as the one we’re in right now.
Swift action is needed; please join with us in contacting your member of Congress, urging them to address paid sick leave. Our call as people of faith rings ever clearer in times of trial and challenge. Making sure that every person can take care of themselves when sick and that our communities are protected is another way that you can take steps to do something right now.