“Paid volunteer.” That’s what Chris Sununu called me, my sister and others as we stood in the halls of the State House in support of paid family and medical leave. Governor, you got the volunteer part right, however, that’s not the whole story. And if you don’t mind, I’d like to set the record straight.
Four years ago, our father’s health began to decline rapidly. At this same time, my mother-in-law was also in hospice care. I decided to leave my job in order to care for my loved ones. We were grateful that we could meet their needs; not everyone is in a position to do so. Governor, I assure you, this was no vacation for anyone in our family. How many families struggle with caring for a terminally ill relative, a newborn child or an unexpected health emergency?
With the passing of Rep. Mary Stuart Gile, we are reminded that we must do better for our citizens. Senate Bill 1, the paid family and medical leave bill, passed through both chambers of the Legislature before you killed it, Governor.
Legendary U.S. congressman Sam Rayburn once said, “A jackass can kick a barn down, but it takes a carpenter to build one.” Governor, will you listen to the overwhelming majority of New Hampshire residents who support this bill? Or will you continue to demonstrate a failure of leadership by wielding your veto pen, as you did for a record-breaking 57 times?
ELIZABETH-ANNE PLATT
Concord