Office of Lt. Governor David Zuckerman
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7th, 2023
Contact
Lisa Gerlach
Chief of Staff, Office of the Lt. Governor
(802) 636-7047
Lisa.gerlach@vermont.gov
NEWS: Lt. Governor Zuckerman Releases Statement on Paid Family and Medical Leave
MONTPELIER, Vt: On Tuesday, the 30th anniversary of the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, Lt. Governor David Zuckerman released the following statement:
“The FMLA has been a transformative piece of federal legislation for the citizens that it has covered over the past 30 years. However, despite the implementation of the FMLA, 65% of Vermonters do not have access to Paid Family and Medical leave, including a disproportionate number of low-wage workers, BIPOC workers, and parents. We can, and we must, do better.
“We have seen a growing economic gap between the wealthiest Vermonters and the working class. While some who are not covered by the FMLA may have the means to take time off when faced with medical issues or when welcoming a new child into the world, there are tens of thousands of Vermonters who cannot. All workers deserve the ability to recovery from illness or injury, bond with a new child, or care for a loved one without the added stress and financial burden of needing to take unpaid time off. It is an untenable choice and it impacts all of us whether we need it today or as coworkers with others that do. It’s time we implement Paid Family and Medical Leave for all workers."
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