Sacramento – Today, Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (D-Sacramento) responded to a report issued by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) on Legislation, authored by Ma to make California the first state in the nation to guarantee all workers the right to earn paid sick days.   The legislation, Assembly Bill 2716 allows workers to earn paid sick days that can be used to recover from illness, care for a sick family member, or recover from domestic violence or sexual assault.

“This bill will not only benefit the over 5 million California workers, who lack paid sick days, but also employers through the cost savings of maintaining a healthy workplace,” said Assemblywoman Ma. “The legislative success of AB 2716 is a victory for public health and sound public policy.”

Another study, by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, who are national experts on the issue of paid sick days, found very different results – it found that AB 2716 will have real benefits for employers and for working families in the state. Highlights from the report conclude that AB 2716 will save California employers nearly $1 billion annually. These cost savings are primarily due to reduced turnover and the spread of illness in the workplace. Click here for a copy of the report.

“The San Francisco ordinance has been in effect for over a year with few complaints from business,” said Assemblywoman Ma.  “This bill will reduce employee turnover, which is a very significant cost to business. No one should have to risk their job to take care of their own or a family member’s health.”

A recent poll conducted by the University of California at Los Angeles shows overwhelming support by Californians from all walks of life for paid sick days legislation. A large majority – 88 percent – of California adults surveyed indicated that they “agreed” or “agreed strongly” that there should be a law guaranteeing paid sick days for all California workers.