Mother dying of cancer - I need Paid Sick Days ASAP

Dear City of Austin Staff,

My name is Mark McKim and I am a Substitute Teacher with Austin ISD. Substitute teachers don't receive any benefits such as health insurance, paid sick days or bereavement.  Three weeks ago, my mother was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer, and our family was devastated. I decided to take a week off of work in order to go visit and help take care of my mother in Garland, and sadly, lost $500 of much needed income.  It's quite unfortunate that in order to visit and support my now dying mother, I will suffer economically.  

Last month, my family lost our 27 year old cousin Ryan to leukemia and I had to take a day off to go to the funeral.  I lost that day's income too. There have been multiple days in the past year where I was not feeling well and didn't take the day off because I know I needed the income.  To be honest, this is unfair and no worker should have to decide between being taking care of their own illness or helping take care of a loved one.  

I have learned that the city cannot legislate AISD so I understand this policy may not immediately affect me, but I know if the city can pass a far reaching universal mandated paid sick leave policy, it will influence the various tax jurisdictions and other public and private sector employers in the Austin area. In addition, I know there are over approximately 220,000 workers in Austin who would greatly benefit from a paid sick day policy.  No one should lose a days worth of income for taking a day off to care for themselves or a loved one. Please do whatever you can to pass the farthest reaching paid sick day policy to ensure all Austin area workers receive this much needed economic relief. 

With gratitude,

Mark McKim - mark.i.mckim@gmail.com

Austin ISD - Substitute Teacher