ColorOfChange.org changing the color of democracy

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is reporting that the current flu season has officially been designated an “epidemic.” Last year, only 4,400 New Yorkers were diagnosed with  “severe” flu cases, but this season, that number has already risen to 15,000 — an explosive 250% increase.

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Nirav Shah has advised New Yorkers to stay away from those who are sick, but that's easier said than done. Right now, more than a million mostly Black, Latino and immigrant workers in New York City are forced to go to work with the flu every day, without the benefit of any paid time off to care for themselves. This poses a serious threat to the economic security of working families and puts the health of all New Yorkers at risk. 

Please join us to demand Speaker Quinn put away her political aspirations and bring the Paid Sick Time Act to a vote.

City Council Speaker Christine Quinn refuses to allow a vote on the Paid Sick TIme Act.  And now, a new watered-down version of the bill would remove many protections included in the previous version. Please join us in NYC this Thursday, October 4th, to demand that Speaker Quinn allow a vote on the Paid Sick Time act without additional weakening of the bill. The petition delivery and press conference will kick off on the steps of City Hall, at 12:00 noon. Please RSVP to let us know you'll attend.

In New York City, an estimated  41% — between 1.4 and 1.6 million workers — do not have any paid time off to care for themselves or a loved one in the event of an illness. Although a veto-proof majority of her colleagues support the bill, Council Speaker Quinn has refused to allow a vote. She is considering a run for mayor next year and doesn't want to upset the city's business elite. Check out the email we sent to NYC-area ColorOfChange members after the jump and join the campaign.