Written by Vincent Cain
The Governor and the California Legislature have announced two weeks of COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave to California workers through Sept. 30, 2022.
“Throughout this pandemic, we have come together to address the immediate impacts COVID-19 continues to have on millions of California families, both at home and at work,” Newsom said.
The original supplemental paid sick leave for COVID-19 had expired last year, on Oct. 1, 2021.
By providing two weeks of COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave, Newsom hopes the state can protect the health of California workers while assuring the economy can thrive. According to a press release, California will work to handle the needs of small businesses through the state budget.
“Early budget actions will also include restoring business tax credits, including research and development credits and net operating losses, that were limited during the COVID-19 Recession; tax relief for recipients of federal relief grants for restaurants and shuttered venues; and additional funding for the Small Business Covid-19 Relief Grant Program,” Newsom said in the press release.
According to the Service Employees International Union of California, this came as a result of workers coming together and ordering the state to enact a COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave.
“When workers speak out and stand up for our rights, everyone benefits,” Bob Schoonover, President of SEIU California, said.
The Communications Director for the California Labor Federation, Steve Smith, said this agreement shows that the Governor and the state legislature have heard the workers’ concerns, “The fact that the governor and legislative leadership came to an agreement today brings a sigh of relief to all of us. It shows that they are acting with urgency to get this done,” Smith said in an interview.
According to the California Labor Federation, the State Senate and Assembly are expected to vote on this soon.
Photo Cred: Rick Pedroencelli/ Associated Press
