Tell VT Lawmakers: It’s Time to Pass Paid Leave

Caring for a loved one can be expensive, isolating, and stressful – and it is a common Vermont experience. Across Vermont, 70,000 family caregivers provide critical assistance to their parents, spouses, and other loved ones, most while juggling full or part-time work. These family caregivers need more support.

Can you urge lawmakers to pass a strong paid family and medical leave program for Vermont caregivers?

Right now, nearly 3 in 4 Vermont workers do not have paid family and medical leave benefits. This leaves workers one family or medical emergency away from losing their pay – and for some, even their job.

Family caregivers save the state and taxpayers money by providing $1.23 billion in unpaid care each year, preventing costly hospitalizations and allowing for care to happen at home – where loved ones want to be. These caregiving demands can lead to years of challenges, including lost jobs, debt, and reduced Social Security benefits or retirement savings.

Many of us are, have been, or will be a family caregiver. That is why AARP research shows nearly 80% of Vermont voters age 40+ support creating a universal, state-run paid family and medical leave program. That includes a majority of voters in every political party, income level, and county in the state.

A strong paid leave program will deliver an invaluable benefit to family caregivers, realize savings across the state budget, and reflect the will of Vermonters. It will make our communities stronger.

Please take a moment to contact your Vermont lawmakers today.