We are a co-sponsor of SB 590 (Durazo), a bill that would add chosen family to paid family leave (PFL).
This is the third time we've introduced the bill. THIS time, everyone finally gets that we must add chosen family like neighbors/friends/distant relatives to those who can use PFL to care for someone who has been certified by a doctor or NP to have a serious illness requiring assistance with activities of daily living (ie I used PFL to care for Marty after his two hospital stays last year).
We now have *everyone* on board. Conserva-dems, all the Republicans including very conservative members (such as Minority Leader Jones in the Senate - very, very conservative).
Today our bill went through its final policy committee. Our volunteer ER gave expert testimony. I was so proud of him.
And the bill passed 14-0. No hesitation, nothing from conservative Dems or Republicans. It had already passed the Senate unanimously.
I am just so excited I have chills at how our fortunes have changed in just two years. I think people are now seeing the need in their own lives as there are more families without than with children.
It's nice to have something to be happy about.
