Coalition reacts to two initiatives submitted for 2020 ballot, independent of current legislative efforts
For Immediate Release – January 22, 2020 – Contact: Olga Robak (olgar AT strategies360 DOT com)
Denver, CO – The Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) Coalition Co-Chairs Debra Brown of Good Business Colorado and Ashley Panelli of 9to5 Colorado issued the following statement after two initiatives were filed with the Legislative Council for the 2020 ballot.
“The FAMLI Coalition is steadfast in its commitment to finding a legislative solution to the issue of paid family leave. But it’s no surprise that a citizen-driven effort is underway to pass a paid family and medical leave policy in Colorado. There is clear support from Coloradans for a program that provides adequate, accessible, and affordable paid leave to all Colorado workers. A strong family leave policy has been a priority for Colorado legislators for a number of years and we believe in the legislature’s ability to draft a solvent solution that will cover as many businesses and employees as possible while keeping premiums low.
We know that a vast majority of Coloradans support a paid family leave policy that covers all Colorado workers, is portable from job to job, and gives meaningful benefits that are in line with what employers and workers in our state need. Members of the FAMLI Coalition are confident that we can create a strong, equitable, and affordable program through the legislature that takes corporate profit out of the equation. But now, in addition to our efforts at the legislature, we can see that grassroots momentum is building for a sensible solution, and the people of Colorado want to end 2020 with a strong paid family and medical leave policy, whether it’s as a bill at the legislature or a ballot measure.”
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