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Action Alert: Urge our Leaders to Invest in Working Families!

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¡Viva Nuevo México!

House Bill (HB) 38 – Paid Family & Medical Leave Act – passed the House Judiciary Committee (8-2) on Saturday. Thanks to all the champions who called, emailed, and provided public comment to the Committee members!

Your hard work on behalf of New Mexican families is paying off, and we can’t slow down now. There is still a long way to go and not much time to get there. Let’s raise our voices for hardworking New Mexicans! Here are two ways you can help today:

Urge Governor Lujan Grisham to stand in support of HB 38. Please call the Governor’s office today and urge her support for the state’s investment in a Paid Family & Medical Leave program. Governor Lujan Grisham makes the final decision about whether to sign the bill. She needs to hear what having a Paid Family & Medical Leave program would really mean for working families.

Where to call:
Governor’s Office: (505) 476-2200

What you might say:
“I am calling to urge the Governor to stand in support HB38. I believe that working families shouldn’t be forced to choose between paying their bills and caring for their health and their families. An investment in Paid Family & Medical Leave is an investment in New Mexico’s future.”

Urge House Appropriations & Finance Committee to vote “Do Pass” on HB38.

During the House Judiciary Committee, HB 38 got another committee assignment.  Our next stop is House Appropriations and Finance Committee, and we need to ask them to invest in working families by supporting HB 38. Time is of the essence.  We will provide an update when this is scheduled.

  1. Email/call members of the Committee to express your support for HB 38 and ask them to schedule and vote yes on HB38.
  2. Share this message widely. Mobilize your networks to email Committee members and ask them to vote yes on HB38.
  3. Prepare a public comment to share during the hearing.  We’ve seen the power of public comments. A 60 second story can persuade legislators and change votes. Reach out to us if you need support in preparing your remarks.

EN ESPAÑOL

Alerta para la Acción: ¡Alentemos a nuestros líderes a invertir en las familias


La iniciativa de ley (HB) 38 de la Cámara de representantes– Ley de Ausencia Pagada por Motivos Familiares y Médicos – fue aprobada en el Comité judicial de la Cámara de representantes con 8 votos a favor y 2 en contra el sábado pasado. ¡Gracias a todos quienes nos han apoyado haciendo llamadas, enviando correos y proporcionando comentarios públicos a los miembros del Comité!

Su arduo trabajo en favor de las familias Nuevo Mexicanas está rindiendo frutos, y no es el momento para detenernos. Aún hay un largo camino por recorrer y queda muy poco tiempo para alcanzar nuestra meta. ¡Alcemos nuestras voces por las familias trabajadoras de Nuevo México! Hay dos maneras en las que usted puede ayudar el día de hoy:

Aliente a la Gobernadora Lujan Grisham a que apoye la iniciativa de ley HB 38. Por favor llame a la oficina de la Gobernadora hoy y pídale que invierta en el futuro del estado apoyando el programa de Ausencia Pagada por Motivos Familiares y Médicos. La Gobernadora Lujan Grisham tiene la última decisión de firmar o no esta iniciativa. Debemos lograr que ella entienda lo que verdaderamente significa para las familias trabajadoras un programa de Ausencia Pagada por Motivos Familiares y Médicos.

A dónde debo llamar:
Oficina de la Gobernadora: (505) 476-2200

Qué puedo decir:
“I am calling to urge the Governor to stand in support HB38. I believe that working families shouldn’t be forced to choose between paying their bills and caring for their health and their families. An investment in Paid Family & Medical Leave is an investment in New Mexico’s future.”
“Estoy llamando para pedirle a la Gobernadora que apoye la iniciativa de ley HB38.  Creo que las familias trabajadoras no deberían ser forzadas a elegir entre pagar sus cuentas y preocuparse por la salud de sus familias. Invertir en un programa de Ausencia Pagada por Motivos Familiares y Médicos es invertir en el futuro de Nuevo México.”


Pida a los miembros del Comité de Apropiaciones y Finanzas que voten a favor de la HB38.

En la audiencia del Comité judicial de la Cámara de representantes la iniciativa HB 38 fue asignada a otro comité.  Nuestra próxima parada es en el Comité de Apropiaciones y Finanzas de la Cámara de representantes, y debemos pedirles que inviertan en las familias trabajadoras de Nuevo México apoyando la iniciativa de ley HB 38.  El factor tiempo es vital.  Les informaremos en cuanto se programe la audiencia.

  1. Envíe correos electrónicos o llame a los miembros del Comité para expresar su apoyo a la iniciativa HB 38 y pídales programar esta iniciativa en la agenda del comité y votar a favor de ella.
  2. Comparta este mensaje con cuantas personas sea posible.  Movilice a sus redes de contactos para que envíen correos electrónicos a los miembros del Comité y les pidan votar a favor de la iniciativa HB 38.
  3. Prepare un comentario público para ser compartido durante la audiencia.  Hemos visto el poder que tienen los comentarios públicos.  Una historia de 60 segundos puede persuadir a los legisladores y hacer que cambien sus votos.  Comuníquese con nosotros si quiere que le ayudemos a preparar sus comentarios.

House Appropriations & Finance Committee members are:
Los miembros del Comité de Apropiaciones y Finanzas de la Cámara de representantes son:


Patricia A. Lundstrom (Chair)
Capitol: (505) 986-4316
Email: patricia.lundstrom@nmlegis.gov

Nathan P. Small (Vice Chair)
Capitol: (505) 986-4319
Email: nathan.small@nmlegis.gov

Anthony Allison
Capitol: (505) 986-4436
Email: anthony.allison@nmlegis.gov

Phelps Anderson
Capitol: (505) 986-4226
Email: phelps.anderson@nmlegis.gov

Gail Armstrong
Capitol: (505) 986-4227
Email: gail@gailfornewmexico.com

Cathrynn N. Brown
Capitol: (505) 986-4227
Email: c.brown.nm55@gamil.com

Ambrose Castellano
Capitol: (505) 986-4236
Email: ambrose.castellano@nmlegis.gov

Jack Chatfield
Capitol: (505) 986-4467
Email: jackchd67@gmail.com

Randal S. Crowder
Capitol: (505) 986-4215
Email: randal.crowder@nmlegis.com

Meredith A. Dixon
Capitol: (505) 986-4210
Email: meredith.dixon@nmlegis.gov

Candy Spence Ezzell
Capitol: (505) 986-4454
Email: csecows@aol.com

Harry Garcia
Capitol: (505) 986-4233
Email: hgarciad69@gmail.com

Susan K. Herrera
Capitol: (505) 986-4249
Email: susan.herrera@nmlegis.gov

Dayan Hochman – Vigil
Capitol: (505) 986-4432
Email: dayan.hochman-vigil@nmlegis.gov

T. Ryan Lane
Capitol: (505) 986-4226
Email: ryan@laneforliberty.com

Raymundo Lara
Capitol: (505) 986-4233
Email: raymundo.lara@nmlegis.gov

Debra M. Sarinana
Capitol: (505) 986-4438
Email: debbie.sarinana@nmlegis.gov

Candie G. Sweetser
Capitol: (505) 986-4255
Email: candie.sweetser@nmlegis.gov

Christine Trujillo
Capitol: (505) 235-8783
Email: christine.trujillo@nmlegis.gov

To receive updates, follow the Southwest Women’s Law Center’s social media pages: 
Para recibir más actualizaciones, siga las páginas de redes sociales de Southwest Women’s Law Center:
https://twitter.com/SWWomensLaw
https://www.instagram.com/southwestwomenslawcenter/
https://www.facebook.com/swwomenslaw/

Action Alert – HB38 is scheduled for February 20th in House Judiciary!

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HB38 – The Paid Family & Medical Leave Act –will be heard on February 20th at 1 p.m. In the meantime, we need you to: 
 
1.  Email/call members of the House Judiciary Committee to express your support for the bill and ask them to vote yes on HB38.
 
2.  Mobilize your networks to email Committee members and ask them to vote yes.
 
3.  Prepare a public comment to share during the hearing.  We’ve seen the power of public comments. A 60 second story can persuade legislators and change votes. Reach out to us if you need support in preparing your remarks.
 
****************
When: February 20, 2021 01:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Topic: House Judiciary Committee
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89543370073
Or iPhone one-tap : US: +16699009128,,89543370073#
or +12532158782,,89543370073#
 
Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 646 558 8656 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 895 4337 0073
 
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Thank you for your dedication to ensuring equitable conditions and economic security for New Mexico women and families!

EN ESPAÑOL



Alerta para la acción – ¡HB38 será enviada al Comité judicial de la Cámara de representantes!

Ahora vamos al Comité judicial de la Cámara de representantes, en la que HB38 -Ley de ausencia pagada por motivos familiares y médicos- será presentada el 20 de febrero a la 1 p. m.  Mientras tanto, necesitamos su ayuda con lo siguiente:
 
1.  Envíe correos electrónicos/llame por teléfono a los miembros del Comité judicial de la Cámara de representantes para expresar su apoyo a esta iniciativa de ley y pedirles que voten a favor de la HB38.
 
2.  Movilizar sus redes de contactos para que envíen correos electrónicos a los miembros del Comité para pedirles que voten a favor de la iniciativa.
 
3.  Preparar un comentario de participación pública que sea compartido durante la audiencia.  Hemos visto el alcance que tienen los comentarios de participación pública. Una historia de 60 segundos puede persuadir a los legisladores y cambiar sus votos.
 
Estaremos en contacto para proporcionar más detalles acerca de los siguientes pasos una vez que se haya fijado la fecha de la audiencia.
 
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Cuándo: 20 de febrero de 2021, 1:00 P. M. Horario de la Montaña (EE. UU. y Canadá)
Asunto: Comité Judicial de la Cámara de Representantes
Haga clic en la liga abajo para enlazarse al webinario
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89543370073
O por iPhone one tap: EE. UU. +16699009128,,89543370073#
o +12532158782,,89543370073#
 
O por teléfono: Marque (para mejor calidad auditiva, marque el número que corresponda a su localidad): EE. UU +1 669 900 9128 o +1 253 215 8782 o +1 346 248 7799 o +1 646 558 8656 o +1 301 715 8592 o +1 312 626 6799
ID de Webinario: 895 4337 0073
****************
¡Muchas gracias por su dedicación para asegurar las condiciones de igualdad y seguridad económica para las mujeres y familias de Nuevo México!

House Judiciary Committee Members
Miembros del Comité judicial de la cámara de representantes

Gail Chasey (Chair)
Capitol: (505) 986 – 4411
Email: gail@gailchasey.com

Micaela Lara Cadena (Vice Chair)
Capitol: (505) 986 – 4210
Email: micaela.cadena@nmlegis.gov

Eliseo Lee Alcon
Capitol: (505) 986 – 4416
Email: eliseo.alcon@nmlegis.gov

Deborah A. Armstrong
Capitol: (505) 986 – 4344
Email: deborah.armstrong@nmlegis.gov

Zachary J. Cook
Capitol: (505) 986 – 4221
Email: zachary.cook@nmlegis.gov

Brian Egolf
Capitol: (505) 986 – 4782
Email: brian.egolf@nmlegis.gov

Daymon Ely
Capitol: (505) 986 – 4243
Email: daymon.ely@nmlegis.gov

Georgene Louis
Capitol: (505) 986 – 4329
Email: georgene.louis@nmlegis.gov

Matthew McQueen
Capitol: (505) 986 – 4423
Email: matthew.mcqueen@nmlegis.gov

Greg Nibert
Capitol: (505) 986 – 4211
Email: greg.nibert@nmlegis.gov

William “Bill” R. Rehm
Capitol: (505) 986 – 4214
Email: bill.rehm@nmlegis.gov

James G. Townsend
Capitol: (505) 986 – 4758
Email: townsend@pvtn.net

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Action Alert – HB38 is moving to House Judiciary!

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Thank you to everyone who reached out to members of House Commerce & Economic Development. HB38 passed the Committee 7-3.
 
Now, we’re on to House Judiciary, where HB38 – The Paid Family & Medical Leave Act – will be heard next week. We will update with the exact date as soon as possible. In the meantime, we need you to: 
 
1.  Email/call members of the House Judiciary Committee to express your support for the bill and ask them to vote yes on HB38.
 
2.  Mobilize your networks to email Committee members and ask them to vote yes.
 
3.  Prepare a public comment to share during the hearing.  We’ve seen the power of public comments. A 60 second story can persuade legislators and change votes. Reach out to us if you need support in preparing your remarks.
 
We will be in touch with more details for next steps once the hearing date is set.
 
Thank you for your dedication to ensuring equitable conditions and economic security for New Mexico women and families!

EN ESPAÑOL


Alerta para la acción – ¡HB38 será enviada al Comité judicial de la Cámara de representantes!


Muchas gracias a todos quienes se pusieron en contacto con los miembros del Comité de comercio y desarrollo económico de la Cámara de representantes.  HB38 fue aprobada por el comité con 7 votos a favor y 3 en contra.

Ahora vamos al Comité judicial de la Cámara de representantes, en la que HB38 -Ley de ausencia pagada por motivos familiares y médicos- será presentada la semana entrante. Les proporcionaremos la fecha exacta lo más pronto posible.  Mientras tanto, necesitamos su ayuda con lo siguiente:

1.  Envíe correos electrónicos/llame por teléfono a los miembros del Comité judicial de la Cámara de representantes para expresar su apoyo a esta iniciativa de ley y pedirles que voten a favor de la HB38.

2.  Movilizar sus redes de contactos para que envíen correos electrónicos a los miembros del Comité para pedirles que voten a favor de la iniciativa.

3.  Preparar un comentario de participación pública que sea compartido durante la audiencia.  Hemos visto el alcance que tienen los comentarios de participación pública. Una historia de 60 segundos puede persuadir a los legisladores y cambiar sus votos.

Estaremos en contacto para proporcionar más detalles acerca de los siguientes pasos una vez que se haya fijado la fecha de la audiencia.

¡Muchas gracias por su dedicación para asegurar las condiciones de igualdad y seguridad económica para las mujeres y familias de Nuevo México!

House Judiciary Committee
 
Gail Chasey (Chair)
Capitol: (505) 986 – 4411
Email: gail@gailchasey.com
 
Micaela Lara Cadena (Vice Chair)
Capitol: (505) 986 – 4210
Email: micaela.cadena@nmlegis.gov
 
Eliseo Lee Alcon
Capitol: (505) 986 – 4416
Email: eliseo.alcon@nmlegis.gov
 
Deborah A. Armstrong
Capitol: (505) 986 – 4344
Email: deborah.armstrong@nmlegis.gov
 
Zachary J. Cook
Capitol: (505) 986 – 4221
Email: zachary.cook@nmlegis.gov
 
Brian Egolf
Capitol: (505) 986 – 4782
Email: brian.egolf@nmlegis.gov
 
Daymon Ely
Capitol: (505) 986 – 4243
Email: daymon.ely@nmlegis.gov
 
Georgene Louis
Capitol: (505) 986 – 4329
Email: georgene.louis@nmlegis.gov
 
Matthew McQueen
Capitol: (505) 986 – 4423
Email: matthew.mcqueen@nmlegis.gov
 
Greg Nibert
Capitol: (505) 986 – 4211
Email: greg.nibert@nmlegis.gov
 
William “Bill” R. Rehm
Capitol: (505) 986 – 4214
Email: bill.rehm@nmlegis.gov
 
James G. Townsend
Capitol: (505) 986 – 4758
Email: townsend@pvtn.net
 

Donate

SB 10 – We are almost there!

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We can see the light at the end of the tunnel. The finish line is in our sight. We are on the last leg of our journey. The repeal of New Mexico’s unconstitutional abortion ban is within our grasp. We are this close to completing this nearly fifty-year journey of removing the 1969 abortion ban from New Mexico’s criminal code.

The abortion ban repeal was passed on the Senate floor and sailed out of its five committee hearings with one technical amendment, which does not change the substance of the bill, meaning the repeal bill has not been changed, added to, or watered down. The next stop is the floor of both the New Mexico House and then to the Governor’s desk. This is clearly the most dangerous part of the journey.

The SWLC is so grateful for all the support you have provided in this process. Without the support of the abortion rights warriors in New Mexico, we could not have gotten this far in this righteous journey and we appreciate each and every one of you and thank you for getting us to this historic place. However, we have arrived at the pinnacle of this fight and we need you to stay strong. The anti-abortion rights supporters are bombarding our House and Senate members with unfounded and unbelievable claims about what repealing and removing the abortion ban from the books will do. The majority of these calls and emails are from outside their districts some even from outside the state, but they are still receiving an enormous amount of pressure from the other side.

Now is the time to contact your House members and help them to stay strong against the supporters of anti-abortion rights. Demand they vote “Yes!” to repeal the abortion ban statute and also let your legislators know that you support them in this fight, too. Tell them that you have stood beside them (virtually of course!) at every step in this journey and are there to sustain them, to give them the strength they will need to keep fighting, to bring this bill to the floor and vote to repeal the ban!

At this moment, we are on the precipice of history. What happens in the next few days will determine New Mexico’s place in this country. Will it be a state that robs pregnant people of their bodily autonomy or will New Mexico be a state that supports a pregnant person’s right to follow their own values when it comes to healthcare decisions, including abortion care? Know that you do have a say in this.

Please contact your representative. Let them know that you support SB10, the Respect Women and Families Act, which repeals the abortion ban in its entirety. Let your representatives know that you support them as well. They need to hear this.

You can find who your legislators are at:
https://www.nmlegis.gov/Members/Find_My_Legislator

Thank you for your support

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NM Political Report: Advocates for abortion ban repeal start off a first full week of New Mexico Legislature

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Via Susan Dunlap, NM Political Report

Unlike 2019 when the New Mexico State Senate blocked repealing the 1969 abortion ban, more than half of the 2021 state Senate have signed on to cosponsor SB 10, this year’s effort.

SB 10, sponsored by state Sen. Linda Lopez, D-Albuquerque, is a bill that will run parallel to HB 7, sponsored by state House Rep. Micaela Lara Cadena, D-Mesilla. Co-sponsor and Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, D- Santa Fe, said during a press conference Monday morning held by Respect New Mexico Women, a coalition of nonprofit organizations, that 25 state senators have signed onto the bill for the 2021 Legislature. 

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HB 38 – Paid Family & Medical Leave Act

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New Mexico needs the Paid Family & Medical Leave Act (PFMLA).

The U.S. is the only wealthy nation without any national paid family or medical leave policy. (1) At some point, most New Mexico workers will need to take time away from work because of caregiving responsibilities or healthcare needs. PFMLA would create a program, administered by the state of New Mexico, to provide up to 12 weeks of paid leave for employees to welcome a new child, care for a family member with a serious health concern, or manage their own serious medical condition.

New Mexico workers should not face the loss of their livelihood because they need to take time away from work due to a health condition or family care-giving responsibilities. By passing the PFMLA, we can ensure economic security for New Mexico workers and communities.

How it works.

Beginning in 2023, the Department of Workforce Solutions will administer the Paid Family & Medical Leave Trust Fund. Employee and employer contributions will fund disbursements and administration.

Beginning in 2024, after contributing for at least six months and submitting an application to NMDWS, employees will receive a percentage of average weekly wages for up to 12 weeks. Self-employed individuals can opt into the program.

Employees and self-employed individuals will receive payments directly from the Trust Fund. During an employee’s leave period, employers will benefit from wage savings, which may be used to pay overtime wages for current employees, hire a temporary replacement, or to invest in other ways.

What it costs. What it provides.

*State Ave. Wage based on Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Survey Annual Mean May 2019

Please help us pass the Paid Family & Medical Leave Act.

Endorsers Include:

AARP New Mexico Girls Inc. of Santa Fe
NM Public Health Association
Santa Fe NOW
AAUW-New Mexico NM Voices for Children
Fathers New Mexico NM Pediatric Society
OLE Education Fund
Interfaith Worker Justice NM
NM Center on Law and Poverty
Southwest Women’s Law Center
International District Healthy Communities Coalition
NM Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice
HEAL+NM NOISE for NOW
Center for Civic Policy NM Women’s Agenda
Prosperity Works
NAPAWF Albuquerque Chapter
Respect NM Women

HB 38 -Paid Family & Medical Leave Act Protect workers. Support small businesses. Strengthen economic resilience.

PFMLA strengthens economic resilience and promotes equity.

In 2020, the pandemic and racial justice movement demonstrated the urgency of action. As a global outlier lacking paid leave, the U.S. workforce was especially vulnerable to COVID. One of U.S. Congress’s first acts in pandemic response was to pass the first legislation offering paid leave to private sector workers. This swift action demonstrates the critical role paid leave has in economic resilience, but the protections were limited and temporary. (2) States with existing PFML programs were better able to respond to pandemic-related claims than those relying solely on Unemployment Insurance systems. (3)

Paid Family and Medical Leave is a racial and gender justice issue. (4) PFML programs have been shown to address health disparities, close the racial wealth gap, and lessen the economic impacts of caregiving on women, especially in communities of color.

PFMLA protects workers.

Nine states and the District of Columbia have implemented PFML programs. Those state programs have demonstrated remarkable outcomes in reducing infant mortality, child abuse injuries, and nursing home usage, while improving parental physical and mental well-being. (5,6) People who take leave to address a serious health condition early in the disease are less likely to leave the workforce permanently due to disability. (4)

PFML programs are also effective in improving employee performance and engagement. (7) Studies show that employees who take paid leave are less likely to take sick leave when they return, more likely to be employed by the same business two years later, and more likely to report high morale and workplace satisfaction.

PFMLA supports small businesses.

Businesses that offer paid family and medical leave have a competitive advantage in recruiting and retaining top talent to their company. Large corporations are increasingly likely to offer private paid leave programs to attract and retain high-quality employees. (7) However, most of our home-grown businesses are too small to easily absorb the costs of offering paid family and medical leave programs.

Tech and media companies have been at the forefront of the paid leave revolution. Facebook, Netflix, and NBC Universal all offer generous paid leave benefits and are bringing those benefits to employees in their newly expanded operations in New Mexico. By committing to PFMLA, our state can take the burden off of small business owners, creating a safety net for them and their employees.

New Mexico is proud to offer entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small businesses an opportunity to innovate, experiment, and grow right here in the Land of Enchantment. PFMLA will support small business, improve recruitment and retention, and promote innovation to take business risks without fearing the loss of income if they or a loved one become unexpectedly ill.

References:
1. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/12/16/u-s-lacks-mandated-paid-parental-leave
2. COVID-19 and the American Workplace. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic
3. Boyens, C. (2020). State paid family and medical leave programs helped a surge of workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.urban.org/research/publication/state-paid-family-and-medical-leave-programs-helped-surge-workers-affected-covid-19-pandemic.
4. National Partnership for Women and Families (2018). Paid family and medical leave: A racial justice issue and opportunity. https://www.nationalpartnership.org/our-work/resources/economic-justice/paid-leave/paid-family-and-medical-leave-racial-justice-issue-and-opportunity.pdf.
5. Klevens J, Luo F, Xu L, Peterson C, Latzman NE. Paid family leave’s effect on hospital admissions for pediatric abusive head trauma. Inj Prev. 2016 Dec;22(6):442–5. 6. Gassman-Pines A, Ananet EO. Paid Family Leave in North Carolina: A Cost Benefit Analysis. https://duke.app.box.com/s/9wti16byhdyyz6k99ri2yib3ttlprgl8
7. 2019 Paid Family and Medical Leave Storybook. Main Street Alliance. https://www.mainstreetalliance.org/2019_pfml_storybook1.

Download HB 38 Fact Sheet