I direct a small nonprofit with not a penny extra, and I am in full support of House Bill 188, the FAMLI Act.
This law would give employees partial pay replacement during a personal or family medical situation. We have covered the full salary for our employees on medical leave. Is it hard when someone is off for an extended period of time? Of course, but staff pitch in and help because they know that when they need the coverage, their peers will step in for them. As a result, we have loyal employees who are able to really focus on the job when they are at work. FAMLI insurance will cost us less because employers and employees will pay the small premiums with a 40-60.
Our employees do not abuse this; they are eager to get back to work. Donors rightly expect a high level of accountability, and we take that very seriously. When we make the decisions to pay people while on leave, we do so because it is good business, not because it is “nice.” However, shouldering the entire cost is hard for us as a nonprofit. The FAMLI Act would help tremendously.
In summary, as a nonprofit employer with 30 years post-graduate experience, I can say with confidence that FAMLI is good for Colorado nonprofit organizations.
Julie Reiskin
Executive director, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition