| | This Issue Update newsletter is part of a series that provides more information on each priority issue on the Alliance's 2024 Legislative Agenda. The Legislative Agenda is crafted annually in partnership with early childhood organizations that are advancing legislative policy solutions related to health, safety, food security, economic security, and early care and education. The priority issues were selected by the Alliance's 21 member Steering Committee. | | | | | | | | Paid Family and Medical Leave: Improving the Health and Well-Being of Vermont Families At some point in their lives, everyone will need to take time away from work to care for themselves or a loved one. Our communities are stronger when Vermont families and businesses can count on paid leave. Paid leave programs increase workforce participation, support healthy and bonded families, and reduce poverty. With paid leave, family caregivers are supported, their loved ones can remain at home where they want to be, and growing families have a strong start. The Alliance will continue to support the Vermont Paid Leave Coalition in advocating for the strong paid medical and family leave program Vermonters need. AARP released new research on the state of Vermont's family caregivers and their desperate need for relief. The results confirm something we've known all along: Vermonters overwhelmingly support paid family and medical leave. Nearly 80% of voters age 40+ support creating a state paid family and medical leave program. That includes a majority of voters in every political party, income level, and county across Vermont. If you’re one of them, share the news with your state lawmakers today. | | | |  | Data and Talking Points - An estimated 73% of working Vermonters do not have access to paid family and medical leave.
- Nearly 80% of voters age 40+ support creating a state paid family and medical leave program. That includes a majority of voters in every political party, income level, and county across Vermont.
- Families who use paid leave are much more likely to report better health, lower stress, and a higher satisfaction with their ability to care for their new children compared to parents who do not use the program.
- Parents have time to attend well-child medical visits, ensure that their children receive necessary immunizations, and establish breastfeeding if they choose. These practices lower infant mortality and reduce the occurrence and length of childhood illnesses.
| | | |  | | | Lead Organizations The Vermont Paid Leave Coalition is a community of over 80 businesses, non-profits, and everyday Vermonters who see an opportunity for change. Together, we’re advocating for the strong paid leave program Vermonters need in 2024. AARP Vermont for the Vermont Paid Leave Coalition AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age. We advocate on issues that affect residents at the local, state, and national levels. In Vermont, AARP represents 112,000 members from all 14 counties and walks of life. AARP Vermont's Legislative advocacy work serves these members by making Vermont a better place to live and age. Advocating for a strong paid family and medical leave program is a critical part of this work. Voices for Vermont’s Children for the Vermont Paid Leave Coalition Established in 1983, Voices for Vermont’s Children (formerly Vermont Children’s Forum) began as an informal alliance of human service and education advocates concerned about the status of children and youth in Vermont. Voices evolved into a statewide, multi-issue child policy research and advocacy organization that has shaped the landscape around child wellbeing in Vermont by: - Advocating during the Vermont Legislative session;
- Organizing and working in state and regional coalitions;
- Providing up-to-date information, policy briefs and fact sheets on issues important to children and youth. This includes publishing Vermont KIDS COUNT child and family data reports; and
- Convening workshops, trainings, and conferences.
They are currently engaged in significant work to explicitly integrate anti-oppression principles and strategies into their mission and policies. They are building a team and stakeholder community that is representative of and accountable to the communities most impacted by inequity. | | | | | | Alliance Legislative Agenda: Weekly Issue Spotlight – Paid Leave – 1/22 This winter, the Alliance will be hosting virtual Weekly Issue Spotlights leading up to ECDL. Each session will focus on one or two issues from the Alliance’s 2024 Legislative Agenda. Joined by representatives from the lead organizations, participants will be able to ask direct questions and hear a brief legislative update regarding the issues. The next session will be held Monday, January 22, from 3:30 to 4:30 pm, and will focus on Paid Family and Medical Leave. Hosted by AARP Vermont, this session is a great opportunity to learn more about this important program, where it stands in the Legislature, and how to get involved. Click here to register through Zoom. | | | |  | | | | |  | | | | | The Vermont Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance is a statewide coalition formed in 2000 of early childhood professionals, parents, organizations, businesses, and strategic partners committed to improving public policies that impact young children between birth and age eight in the areas of health, safety, food security, economic security, and early care and education. The Alliance crafts an annual Legislative Agenda in partnership with early childhood organizations, provides year-round advocacy support, and facilitates meaningful interactions with policymakers at key times during the decision making process. | | | | 7 School Street | Montpelier , Vermont 05602 vecaa.org The Vermont Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance is a program of the Vermont Community Loan Fund. | | | | | | | | | |
