DOVER – The Healthy Delaware Families Act received ringing endorsements this week from the state’s largest private employer, its largest pediatric health system and – according to new polling data – four out of five Delaware voters.
“I’ve heard excitement from workers, families, caregivers and business owners all over Delaware about how a comprehensive paid family and medical leave program will help ease the burden of major life events every one of us will face at some point in their lives,” said Sen. Sarah McBride, the prime sponsor of The Healthy Delaware Families Act.
“The Healthy Delaware Families Act will give families the time they need to heal, adjust and be present as they welcome a child, provide caregivers with the breathing room they need to support a sick family member and help business owners attract talent and reduce turnover costs,” she said. “I’m thrilled every day Delawareans and some of the First State’s largest employers are showing their support for paid leave, and I look forward to passing this critical legislation next week.”
Polling released this week from Delaware Cares shows 85% of voters in the First State support the Health Delaware Families Act overall with consistent approval across demographics, geography, and political groups. Nearly two-thirds of Delaware voters surveyed said they strongly support the paid family and medical leave program proposed in the legislation.
ChristianaCare, which employs close to 13,500 people, announced its support for Sen. McBride’s Healthy Delaware Families Act in late February in a letter to lawmakers.
“The research is clear; paid family leave gives parents time to bond with a new child, increases the duration of breastfeeding post birth, and reduces infant hospitalizations,” wrote Bettina Tweardy Riveros, chief health equity officer and senior vice president of government affairs and community engagement. “There is little doubt that providing paid family and medical leave will make Delawareans healthier.”
Nemours Children’s Health also announced support for the Health Healthy Delaware Families Act this week.
“Paid leave is a necessity that far too many workers go without, facing impossible choices between work and care for a newborn, or for themselves or a family member when facing serious illness,” wrote Chris Manning, director of Delaware Valley external affairs, in a letter to the General Assembly. “Having the ability to meet the employer’s obligation with an approved private plan allows organizations like Nemours the ability to design a benefit package that responds to our unique needs while complying with the law.”
Also released this week, new polling from Delaware Cares shows 85% of voters in the First State support the Health Delaware Families Act overall with consistent approval across demographics, geography, and political groups.
Released from the Senate Health & Social Services Committee in January, the Healthy Delaware Families Act is slated for a vote on the Senate floor on Tuesday.