“Today, Mayor Bill de Blasio demonstrated the power of political leadership when he signed a historic measure that strengthens the paid sick days law that will take effect in New York City on April 1. This new law will support working families, improve the public health, and help the city’s businesses. This is a great day for New York City and it adds to the indisputable growing national momentum for paid sick days laws.

Mayor de Blasio and City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito were true champions for this law – and New York City will be stronger and healthier as a result of their leadership. Starting next month, approximately 1.3 million workers in New York City who had no paid sick days in the past will be able to earn them. And all other workers who had no legal right to sick time will be able to earn unpaid days to stay home when they have the stomach flu or strep, or need to take care of a sick child.

The bill signed today expands the paid sick days law the Council passed in June of 2013 to require employers with five or more employees – instead of those with 15 or more employees – to provide paid sick time. It also expands the definition of “family member” under the law to include time to care for siblings, grandchildren and grandparents, as well as children and parents.

Across the country, more lawmakers are standing up for working families, supporting businesses and the public health, and strengthening local economies by passing paid sick days laws. Each new law adds to the growing body of evidence showing that paid sick days are good public policy. In New York City, lawmakers have demonstrated that paid sick days are good politics, too. Congress should follow their lead and pass the Healthy Families Act.”