Contact: Sara Wallenfang, 517-974-4966

When families can afford to take time off, public health benefits

(Lansing, Michigan) The Michigan Nurses Association praises today’s introduction of state House and Senate legislation that protects public health by allowing workers to accrue paid sick time. The following statement regarding this proposal should be attributed to Jamie Brown, RN and Vice President of the Michigan Nurses Association:

As nurses, we know the importance of proper rest and recovery time. Allowing workers to earn paid sick time will make it possible for them to take the time that they need to care for themselves and their families without fear of losing a job or falling behind financially.

When sick workers – including health care providers – can afford to stay home, it contains the spread of contagious illnesses, which makes entire communities healthier.

The Michigan Nurses Association applauds Sen. Jim Ananich (D-Flint), Rep. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) and Rep. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor) for their leadership on this issue.

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