“The Maryland Senate’s vote today to advance a bill that would guarantee paid sick time is a victory for hundreds of thousands of hardworking Marylanders, as well as advocates and lawmakers who have worked for years to secure a statewide paid sick days standard. This puts Maryland one critical step closer to joining the seven states and more than 30 other jurisdictions, including Montgomery County, that already provide such protections. Legislators must now act swiftly to advance this bill.

The Healthy Working Families Act is a reasonable, common sense measure that would benefit the state of Maryland and its workforce, businesses and economy tremendously. Some 750,000 working people in Maryland cannot earn a single paid sick day, including half of full-time workers in the state who are paid less than $35,000 year. This means too many people, and especially those most in need of financial stability, have to choose between their jobs and their health or loved ones when illness strikes – and Maryland families, workplaces and the public’s health suffer as a result.

The National Partnership for Women & Families commends our partners in the Working Matters coalition for their tireless efforts, as well as Sen. Thomas ‘Mac’ Middleton and Dels. Luke Clippinger and Dereck E. Davis for their leadership. Gov. Hogan should show that he too understands the needs and demands of Maryland workers and families by signing it without delay when it gets to his desk.”