I love our beautiful state of Maine. I have grown up and worked my entire adult life here. My husband and I just purchased our first home here and we couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.
As Mainers, we pride ourselves on our values and strong work ethic. Over the last 20 years, I have worked several jobs primarily in the service industry. I can confidently say I am one of the 198,000 people who have had not the access to earn sick days.
It’s quite sobering when you realize the harsh reality that if you don’t work you don’t get paid. There have been many times where I have had no other choice but to compromise the integrity of not only my health (to the point of hospitalization) but the health of others over job requirements and paying the bills.
Giving the 198,000 people in our workforce the opportunity to earn paid sick time will not only benefit the individual but the whole. My legislators, now is the time to pass earned paid sick time for all Mainers.
Alison Logee,
Gray
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