Hundreds of WA Work and Family Coalition supporters recently urged members of the state House to support Paid Sick and Safe Leave legislation and the Equal Pay Opportunity Act. And the House passed both!
Now, one state Senator is threatening to slam on the brakes. But we haven’t come this far to give up now – right?!
Here’s what’s happening: Both bills have been sent to the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee — but Senator Baumgartner, the committee Chair, hasn’t scheduled them for a public hearing.
Please contact Senator Baumgartner and other members of the Senate Commerce and Labor committee today. Urge them to hold a hearing on both bills and pass them out of committee.
The Equal Pay Opportunity Act will ensure all workers can communicate about their wages and ask about access to career opportunities without fear of retribution. It’s a key tool for women to achieve equal pay for equal work.
Passing Paid Sick and Safe Leave legislation will help protect public health, build family economic security, and improve children’s outcomes in school. Paid sick leave laws are now on the books in over 20 cities and states across the U.S., so we know healthy workers and families also support thriving businesses and strong economic growth.
If these bills don’t pass out of committee by April 1, they’ll be dead for this year. Please don’t wait. Urge the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee to schedule a hearing for these two bills today.
Thank you!
~Marilyn, Gabriela and the entire team at the Washington Work and Family Coalition
Washington Work and Family Coalition 