This commentary is by Breck Bowden of Burlington, recently retired from a career of teaching and research in higher education. He is an AARP Vermont volunteer.
Like many others, family is extremely important to me, and my family has been especially present in my mind and heart this spring. From welcoming the arrival of my third grandchild to volunteering with my wife at AARP Vermont, I have been thinking about Vermont families and what they need.
I am very much aware of the challenges that my two sons and their families have had to face when medical needs arise. Those challenges are part of life for many Vermonters.
Across Vermont, 70,000 unpaid family caregivers provide critical support to their loved ones of all ages — often while juggling part-time or full-time work. In 2021, these family caregivers spent 66 million hours providing unpaid support to their loved ones. They help older loved ones with medications and medical care, bathing and dressing, meals, chores, and much more. Caregiving can be expensive and stressful enough without sacrificing a paycheck, but that’s the reality many face.
When my grandson was born last month, my son and daughter-in-law were lucky enough to be able to take some leave to recover and bond with their baby. This meant they could attend doctor’s visits, settle into the nursery, and begin establishing routines to keep their son healthy. I see clearly how paid leave is helping my grandson get a strong start.
My wife and I are now both retired. As we age, we have been increasingly concerned that at some point we are going to need more support at home, especially if one or both of us becomes ill or is injured. I am grateful that our families have some options and know that many other Vermonters are far less secure.
That’s why I’ve reached out to my lawmakers in the Vermont Senate to ask them to pass a strong paid family and medical leave package, once and for all.
The Vermont House advanced a comprehensive paid leave bill in March. With up to 12 weeks of paid leave and virtually universal coverage for Vermont’s workforce, it’s the package families need and deserve. Now it’s up to the Vermont Senate to get paid leave across the finish line.
Many of us are, have been, or will be a family caregiver. Vermonters shouldn’t have to choose between a paycheck and caring for loved ones. With Vermont’s legislative session ending this month, the time for action on paid leave is now. Please help to support this important initiative.
