National Organic Farmers Association - Vermont

Executive Director Grace Oedel -

For our valued employees at NOFA-VT, access to the FFCRA Paid Leave program has been critical to getting a steady paycheck while navigating the loss of childcare during this stressful time. For many employees, they would have been in dangerous positions without it. As employers, this program helped us to keep our trained and valued staff on payroll with less economic harm to the organization. However, we also saw the gaps that exist within the program and those whose needs were not met by the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act were put in a much more challenging position. We urge Washington to take steps to continue this program beyond December 31st, 2020 and to expand it to include a wider range of workers and families so that our workers and families have the support that they need to make the right decisions for their own health and the health of their families.  

From the Employee Perspective: Megan Browning -

I strongly support the continuation of the Families First paid leave programs which supports paid time off during the time of the pandemic. This program was incredibly valuable for me and I also saw the value for my co-workers and full organizational team. The emotional stress of navigating this pandemic has taken a toll on all of us, and having paid time off to rest, recover, and spend meaningful time with family was critical to sustaining all of us through this challenging time. Many returned from time off feeling re-energized and excited to get back to our important work supporting organic farmers. Resilience through this time will require a focus on self-care, and the continuation of Families First Care programs is a key piece of this work.