Thank you Lillian Pease for reminding everyone that Maine is not afraid to lead!

“It is your objection, however, that Maine cannot be the first and only state to mandate paid sick days, even though it’s “hard to argue” against supporters of the paid sick days bill. It would discourage business and economic development and we cannot afford it, you claim. But Dirigo! is the motto on our state seal. Maine has always been proud to lead and will be proud to do that again.”

Read her whole article here.

Your local newpaper is jammed with passionate letters around paid sick days. You’re inundated with so many arguments from every which way, what do you believe? Who do you trust? WHAT ARE THE FACTS? Well, this blog post is for you.

Think of this as your toolkit to setting the record straight, these reports and fact sheets will provide you with the necessary tools to join the dialogue and write YOUR OWN passionate letters:

1.) Paid sick days ARE good for businesses- this report outlines the extensive benefits to Maine’s workplaces that Paid sick days will provide: Valuing Good Health in Maine: The Costs and Benefits of Paid Sick Days by Kevin Miller, Ph.D. (or click here for the 2-page summery)

2.) Paid sick days protect our public health- this report outlines the positive health impact that Paid Sick Days will have in Maine: A Health Impact Assessment of Paid Sick Days in Maine, Johnathan Heller, Ph.D.

3.)There is a significant need for paid sick days in Maine- this report compiles stories and testimonials from workers in Maine: Paid Sick Leave: The Voices of Maine Workers, The Maine Women’s Policy Center.

4.) No time for any of this? Click here for the quick and dirty: The LD 1665 Fact Sheet.

Watch testimonials from the Maine Small Business Coalition event at Woodman’s Bar and Grill last week:

Mark Horton speaks about his experiences as a small business owner who provides paid sick days:

April Thibodeau, small business organizer for the Maine Small Business Coalition, speaks about her work with business owners that support sick days.

Business Owner Mark Horton speaks at his restaurant, Woodman’s Bar and Grill,  about why he provides paid sick days. Horton comments that, “forcing employees to work when they’re sick is dangerous and short-sighted.  Sick employees are likely to infect others, including customers!  That easily poses a far greater threat to productivity than a paid day off.”

April Thibodeau, Organizer for the Maine Small Business Coalition shares that, “Over the past few weeks, I have spoken with small businesses from Portland to Penobscot who support this effort.” Holding a letter signed by more than 30 business people, she added, “Members of the Coalition know that paid sick days will benefit them in the long run with a healthier, more productive work force—and healthy customers.”

Thanks to the Lewiston Sun Journal’s editorial board for endorsing LD 1665!

Their January 14th editorial supporting LD 1665 asserted that paid sick days, “needs reasoned consideration. If we’re a nation serious about health care reform, reducing the spread of illness is the best place to start.”

Read the whole piece here.