The following statement is from Michael Davoli, Senior Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, on the legislative effort to improve New Yorkers' access to paid family and medical leave:
“With just days left in the legislative session, the New York State Assembly must not leave Albany without reforming the state’s inadequate Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) program--for the second year in a row.
“As leaders at the New York State Business Council and the National Federation of Independent Business prepare for their summer getaways, hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers with chronic disease, like cancer, will spend their summer fighting to survive--while also struggling to put food on the table and avoiding mounting medical debt—all because of New York’s outdated TDI program.
“Rather than seek compromise, they have worked to block A84, a bipartisan bill backed by more than three-quarters of all Assembly Democrats, cosponsored by a large number of Assembly Republicans and supported by labor, small business and health leaders. Their opposition to improving New York's TDI program demonstrates a complete indifference to the needs of workers.
“Fortunately, there is still time. The Assembly leadership can still do the right thing and pass A84 before adjourning for the summer. New Yorkers battling serious illness cannot afford another year of inaction. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network urges the Assembly to take this opportunity to address a very real hurdle to New Yorkers’ pursuit of health and their ability to thrive—personally and professionally.”
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.
