Page 2 of 4 SB-1179
Mary Lee Kieman, CEO & President, YWCA Greenwich: They support this legislation
stating that it addresses a gap in current policy that neglects Indigenous peoples and groups
tribal enterprises and governments to opt into the program. Additionally, it would provide a
solution to the problem of employer-provided short term disability plans being replaced by
PFML benefits.
Caid Murry, Field Representative, AFT: They offered testimony in favor of this legislation.
They emphasized that employers are reducing access to CPL and short-term disability
benefits by inaccurately defining the CT Paid Family Medical Leave Act as state-sponsored
other income benefits. This in turn creates a loophole that offsets or delays short term
disability payments or blocks members from receiving any payments. They highlighted that
employers are making mid-contract changes, such as requiring employees to apply for CTPL
before they can access their short-term disability benefits.
Rochelle Palache, Vice President, 32BJ SEIU: They offered testimony supporting this
legislation. They highlighted that the current paid leave policy in the state is flawed, with only
11% of workers being eligible. This limited reach exacerbates the states levels of inequality,
specifically affecting women and communities of color who are overwhelmingly represented
in low paying, hourly jobs where voluntary paid leave is rare. Additionally, they highlighted
that the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the need for workers to take leave without fear of
reprisal or loss of wages.
Deborah Wright, Political Director, United Auto Workers Region 9A: They provided
testimony in support of this proposal. They highlighted how some employers are requiring
employees to exhaust PFML benefits before receiving STD benefits. They argued that SB
1179 would serve as a solution to this issue by prohibiting employers from reducing or
offsetting their own disability insurance policy by using PFML benefits.
Erin Choquette, CEO, CT Paid Leave Authority: They offered testimony in favor of this
proposal, highlighting multiple issues that it would address. Firstly, it defines the term
"municipality" in a consistent and clear way for both the CT Paid Leave program and the CT
Family Medical Leave Act. Secondly, it creates a process for tribal groups to opt into the CT
Paid Leave program. Thirdly, it clarifies that insurance polices and employer sponsored plans
can reduce the benefits they provide only to the extent necessary to ensure that the
employee does not receive more than 100% of their regular wages
James Demetriades, Attorney, Ferguson Doyle & Chester P.C: They offered testimony
supporting this legislation. They highlighted that when the CTPFLA was passed, multiple
provisions intended to protect collective bargaining rights such as Sec 31-49s, although it is
not the case in current practice. Employers have blocked access to short term disability
benefits, that employees bargained and paid for. Additionally, members have been blocked
from supplementing their short-term disability policy to the CT paid leave, effectively paying
for two benefits, and only getting one.
Louise Gibson, Secretary & Treasurer, Local 1298: They offered testimony in support of
this legislation. They stated currently employers are using employees' contributions to reduce
their own expenses of providing Short Term Disability to employees. This practice by
employers effectively eliminates the employee's ability to collectively bargain and requires