November is all about gratitude--counting the blessings and gifts we have now. For some, a main source of gratitude is the presence of family and the ability to provide for loved ones. That’s why we’re extra thankful that Washington families will soon be able to benefit from Washington’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave program. 

That’s right! Starting in January 2020, workers will be able to take paid time off to care for themselves and family members during times of joy and times of hardship -- and it’ll even the playing field for small businesses. But there is a catch: In order for this program to really work, people need to *know* about it and we’d be grateful for your help raising awareness of this important new law!

---> Can you help share the good news about Paid Family and Medical Leave by submitting a Letter to the Editor to your local paper? It won’t take more than the click of a couple buttons!

Sending a Letter to the Editor is a super easy, high impact way to improve access to Paid Family and Medical Leave in your community. Just fill in the form on the right and click "NEXT" to see our sample letter and talking points.

**Added bonus! Research has shown that expressing gratitude boosts “health, happiness, satisfaction with life.”  So when you submit a letter to the editor and help raise awareness of our state’s new paid leave law, you’re not just helping other Washingtonians, your expression of gratitude helps boost your own happiness too! Win win!

Why the urgency? A key milestone for the new program is just around the corner! That’s right, beginning in January 2019, workers and some employers will start making contributions to the statewide insurance pool that will fund the program. The average worker will contribute just $2 per week from their paycheck. Business owners with fewer than 50 employees (that’s 96% of Washington businesses!) will have the option of contributing to the insurance pool or not -- and their employees will receive benefits from the Washington Employment Security Department either way.

***MomsRising needs your help in advance of this key milestone for Paid Family and Medical Leave! Submit a Letter to the Editor to your local paper to share the good news about Paid Family and Medical Leave and to be sure members of your local community benefit from Paid Family and Medical Leave.

Kids and families across Washington State are counting on us to take action on the issues that matter to them most. Together, we have the opportunity to make a difference by improving access to Washington’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave program. And access to Paid Family and Medical Leave is critical to the success of our families, businesses, and economy.

Will you take quick action to submit a Letter to the Editor in your local paper? It won’t take more than the click of a couple buttons! Just fill in the form on the right and click "NEXT" to see our sample letter and talking points.

You can help us make news across the state and remind everyone that Washington families are grateful for Paid Family and Medical leave.

Thank you for all that you do!

Have you joined the Washington State MomsRising Facebook group yet? Connect with other moms, build community, and learn more about online and on-the-ground opportunities to build MOMentum on policies that boost moms and families! Join on here!