Community Advocates Speak in Support of Paid Family Medical Leave Bill (AB388)

NEVADA— Today, Assemblymember Selena La Rue Hatch along with 13 other legislators, presented AB 388, a robust Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) policy that would ensure Nevada workers have the support they need during critical life events. The bill mandates that all employers with 50 or more employees provide PFML benefits, creating a statewide standard for paid leave. AB 388 would provide Nevada workers with a comprehensive and inclusive PFML program that meets the needs of modern families while supporting economic stability.

Shelbie Swartz, Executive Director of Battle Born Progress, issued the following statement:

“The Paid Family Medical Leave bill (AB388), introduced by Assemblymember La Rue Hatch, is a leap forward in modernizing employment law and positions Nevada as a national leader in progressive labor policy. No one should suffer economic hardship due to the birth of a child, a serious illness, or any other medical condition. As a mother, I understand the impossible choices families face when the unthinkable happens. After an unexpected C-section with my child, I was left recovering from a major surgery—a six-inch incision that made even the simplest movements painful. My husband had to take a month of unpaid leave to care for both me and our newborn. Without his support, I would have been left alone to navigate sleepless nights, relentless pain, and the overwhelming demands of a new baby while trying to heal. The financial strain was significant, but we had no other choice. AB388 would ensure that families like mine don’t have to decide between their health and their livelihood. Assemblymember La Rue Hatch’s bill will close loopholes and provide all Nevadans—whether parents, caregivers, or those facing personal medical crises—the security of knowing they can care for themselves or their loved ones without risking financial ruin. It’s a matter of dignity, fairness, and basic humanity, and it’s time Nevada leads the way in guaranteeing it.””

Michelle Maese, President of SEIU Local 1107, issued the following statement:

“SEIU Local 1107 has always fought for policies that protect and empower workers.

Access to paid family medical leave is not just a benefit—it’s a basic human right. Too many working families are forced to choose between taking care of their health, caring for a loved one, or keeping their jobs. AB388 provides a solution that will help workers navigate life’s challenges without fear of financial instability.

We urge the Nevada Legislature to pass AB388 and ensure that all workers have access to paid family medical leave. It’s time to prioritize the health of our families and our communities!”

Mary Wolform, Lead Organizer of Make the Road Action Nevada, issued the following statement:

"AB 388 is the kind of common-sense policy Nevada families have long deserved. No one should have to choose between a paycheck and being there for a loved one during life’s most critical moments. This bill sets a statewide standard for paid family and medical leave—ensuring that workers, especially women and caregivers, are treated with dignity and have the support they need to care for their families without risking their livelihoods. AB 388 is a step toward a more compassionate and economically stable Nevada.”

Cassie Charles, Nevada Political Representative for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFSCME, issued the following statement:

“Expansions for paid family medical leave are long overdue to continue supporting working families. AB388 goes above and beyond for state employees' and AFSCME members' ability to care for not only themselves, but their family members in a time when so many Nevadans are just one sickness away from instability. Nevada's public employees dedicate their lives to improving the great state of Nevada, and it’s about time they have the safety and security of expanded paid family medical leave and the protections within AB388”

Dawn Etcheverry, President of the Nevada State Education Association, issued the following statement:

“The Nevada State Education Association strongly supports paid family and medical leave for all educators, and we're encouraged to see AB388 advancing through the legislative process. No educator should ever have to choose between their health, caring for a loved one, or maintaining financial stability. Comprehensive paid leave is critical to attracting and retaining high-quality educators, supporting a healthier workforce, and ultimately building stronger public schools across Nevada. NSEA advocates for policies that respect the personal and professional needs of educators, reinforcing our commitment to fair working conditions and a more supportive education system for all.”

Gariety Pruitt, For Our Future Nevada State Director, issued the following statement:

“It’s about time Nevada joined forward looking states like New York, Washington and California by introducing Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML). Nevada prides itself on being a great place to do business and attracts investment from around the world. AB388 will also make it a great place to work, drawing the best professionals and families who know they’ll be protected by a world-class working environment -- one that promotes economic growth without sacrificing financial security for unforeseen emergencies. Assemblymember La Rue Hatch’s legislation is a watershed moment for progressive labor policy in Nevada and has the support of For Our Future.”

Serena Evans, Policy Director of the Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence, issued the following statement:

“The Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence is proud to support AB388, which provides paid family leave that is inclusive of paid safe leave for victim-survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Victims often face the difficult choice of staying in an abusive relationship or leaving because they cannot afford to do so. The most dangerous time for a victim is when they leave, making it crucial for them to have access to the time and resources needed to protect themselves and their families. This includes seeking critical safety measures like safety planning meetings, doctor appointments, legal support, and other time-expansive measures like moving and relocating. Without the ability to take leave, victims are often forced to stay in unsafe situations. This legislation sends a strong message that victims' safety is a priority and their healing is essential.”

Adam Zarrin, Director of State Government Affairs of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, issued the following statement:

“Paid family and medical leave is a commonsense policy that protects Nevada’s workforce and strengthens our health system. Families facing cancer or chronic illness need time to care and recover—without risking their income or job security. AB 388 provides families those protections when they need it most."

Erika Washington, Make It Work Nevada Executive Director, issued the following statement:

“Make It Work Nevada has been championing paid family and medical leave since 2015, advocating for every working person because we believe no one should have to choose between caring for their loved ones and maintaining financial stability. As legislators shape public policy, the voices of hardworking Nevadans must be heard and prioritized.

“We extend our gratitude to the sponsors of AB388. This bill will ensure that no one is forced to sacrifice their financial security to care for themselves or their loved ones. The lived experiences of our families, friends, and neighbors must be recognized and valued in this fight for a more just and supportive workplace.”

William Moore, Mi Familia Vota Nevada Civic Engagement Director, issued the following statement:

“We know that Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) would benefit 27.5 million Latino workers nationwide and help many Latinos here in Nevada. We understand that the path to prosperity for the Latino community comes from hard work and making our opportunity. To do that, we need a comprehensive and inclusive PFML program that meets the needs of our families while supporting our economic stability. Mi Familia Vota Nevada is grateful that Assemblymember Selena La Rue Hatch and other state legislators have presented a critical Paid Family and Medical Leave policy to ensure Nevada workers have the support they need during essential life events.”

Tara Webster, Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada Policy Manager, issued the following statement:

“Recognition and support for this issue is growing across the United States and it is about time Nevada joined the ranks in expanding job protections through Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML). AB388 will help decrease economic disparities that typically harm those who can least afford to take unpaid leave, such as low-wage and part-time workers.”

André C. Wade, State Director, Silver State Equality, issued the following statement:

“Silver State Equality stands in support of the Paid Family Medical Leave Bill (AB388), which is a commonsense approach to expanding the availability of paid family and medical leave to those in the private sector. Taking care of your health, newborn or family when they’re most in need should never come at the cost of losing a job, going further into debt, or in some cases, financial ruin. This bill is important for Nevada’s low-paid workers, who cannot afford to take unpaid leave to care for their chosen and extended family. AB388 will make great strides toward breaking cycles of poverty, making our communities safer and more resilient.”

Kaylyn Kardavani, Executive Director, New Day Nevada, issued the following statement:

“Paid family medical leave isn’t a luxury- it’s a necessity. Research proves that paid leave strengthens businesses, improves health outcomes and reduces inequality. The impossible choice between your job and taking care of a loved one or yourself doesn’t have to be a choice- AB388 will allow for workers to have both and New Day Nevada is proud to support this bill."

ABOUT PAID FAMILY LEAVE: Maite Guerra, M.P.S., Research Manager with Institute for a Progressive Nevada, produced a white paper focused on paid family leave. This piece details the benefits of paid family leave for both individuals and businesses. Additionally, the paper focuses on the international context, the need for state-level actions, and the benefits that would be provided with AB388. You can view the white paper here.

SPOKESPEOPLE ARE AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH

###

About Battle Born Progress: Battle Born Progress, through strategic communication efforts, empowers, engages and mobilizes Nevada voters to build a state where everyone has a fair opportunity to succeed. We support, engage, and mobilize the progressive community through bold leadership, strategic communications, accountability, and education. We are on the cutting edge of new media and are the go-to source for progressive issues and advocacy for traditional media.