Click here to view the embedded video.

“Despite clear benefits to Maine people and businesses, today the Labor Committee rejected a bill to establish the critical protection of paid sick days for Maine people. In a major blow to Maine workers and their families, today, the Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Labor voted Majority Ought Not to Pass on L.D. 1665, ‘An Act to Prevent the Spread of H1N1.’

While everyone gets sick, not everyone has the chance to get well. Right now, more than 200,000 Maine workers lack even a single, paid sick day from work. Thousands of others risk discipline or termination simply for using time they’ve already earned. In rejecting L.D. 1665, the Joint Standing Committee on Labor told Maine people that during a rough economy: ‘You’re on your own.’

Maine voters, nearly 90% of whom support enacting paid sick days, will likely see the legislative session conclude with no new protections for themselves and their families.”

Last week we held our 14th Annual Girls’ Day at the State House, and what a day it was! I have to say that my personal favorite moment was when the girls filled the house chamber to debate and vote on a bill while Speaker of the House, Hannah Pingree, ran the debate. I learned that Maine’s future leaders are smart, articulate, passionate and great debaters.

Here are some quotes about what they learned…

“…be who you are, and you will blossom with finesse.” Sadiee, Wales

“…so much I don’t know where to begin! Although, overall, I learned that I (yes me) and anyone else can do anything! Follow your dreams and believe in yourself.” Maggie, Bar Harbor

“…a lot about press conferences and hearings. I learned about some of the women that work here. I learned that you can do anything you want if you work hard.” Hanna, Industry

“This was a great experience for me. It really helped me understand how the government works by actually being a part of it and not just reading about it in a book.” Miranda, Farmington

The fortune cookies all ready to go

Today, members of the Maine Women’s Lobby, along with our friends at MomsRising and the Maine People’s Alliance, will bring good fortune (in cookie form) to our legislators.

That’s right, fortune cookies.

Why? Because healthy workplaces are worth a fortune! And, because we want our legislators to know that the future of Maine’s families and workers depends on their support of L.D. 1665, which would provide earned paid sick time to workers.

What do the fortune cookies say? Well, they contain messages that were created – and voted on – by Maine workers, including Maine moms.

Now, here’s your chance to send virtual cookies to our lawmakers.

We know that many of our members are not able to get away from their jobs – or other responsibilities – to join us at the State House tomorrow, so click here to send a message to your Senator and Representative asking them to support L.D. 1665.

Check out some great photos from the event:

Posing with the cookies!

Rep. Adams reading his fortune

Paid Sick Days make your constituents very happy!

Kristina with our box of cookies

Here are the lucky winners (in order of popularity):

1. Healthy workplaces are worth a fortune – support paid sick days.

2. Bring good fortune to Maine’s families with paid sick days.

3. Voting for paid sick days makes your constituents very happy!

4. You will be a part of the solution by supporting paid sick days.

5. Bold legislation will bring great fortune – do not fear the Chamber of Commerce.

6. Great prosperity will come to those who support paid sick days!

7. Sick workers cost a fortune – support paid sick days!

8. Wishing you and your constituents good health – support paid sick days!

And, of course, the back of each fortune will read: “Your Lucky Number is L.D. 1665.”

Do you want to help us make sure we get these messages to the Maine State Legislature?

Join us along side volunteers from the The Maine People’s Alliance and Mom’s Rising,

Thursday, March 4, at 10:15 a.m.

Maine State House, Augusta

This is a terrific opportunity to learn about the legislative process and to play a key role in passing this landmark legislation.

Please RSVP to Anne at asheldon@mainewomen.org if you are interested.

Can’t make it? You can still make a difference! Send more messages of good fortune by joining our grassroots phonebank.

We’ll be calling Maine Women’s Lobby members from our Augusta office from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. this Wednesday, March 3. Training will be provided along with good company, good snacks, and that good feeling you get from doing good work!

Please RSVP to asheldon@mainewomen.org if you’re able to join us.

Among them: American Cancer Society, Disability Rights Center, Equality Maine, League of Young Voters, Legal Services for the Elderly, Mabel Wadsworth Women’s Health Center, Maine Center for Economic Policy, Maine Centers for Work and Community, Maine Children’s Alliance, Maine Civil Liberties Union, Maine Employment Lawyers Association, Maine Equal Justice Partners, Maine State Employees Association/SEIU, Maine State Nurses Association, Maine Women’s Health Campaign, Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, Women’s Law Section of the Maine State Bar…

Each have joined with the Maine Women’s Lobby to pass this much needed protection. The bottom line is that workers with family responsibilities (and that’s a lot of us!) shouldn’t fear discrimination on the job. While Maine law protects women who are preparing to welcome a new child into the world, there is no state or federal law to protect workers who have children or are caring for aging parents. As a result, you can be fired to refused promotion, simply based on *assumptions* that you have too many obligations at home.

It’s time to update our workplace standards to the needs of 21st century families. Join us in calling for the House of Representatives to pass L.D. 962. Please call your Representative at home, or call the State House and leave a message asking him or her to support the majority “Ought to Pass as Amended” committee report for An Act to Protect Family Caregivers. Just dial 800-423-2900 or contact us at info@mainewomen.org if you want help.

Thank you!