Dear [Your Elected Official],

<p>I am writing in strong support of AB 518 (Wicks) Paid Family Leave for Chosen Family because I want paid family leave to be available to all Californian families.</p> <p>Currently, California Paid Family Leave (PFL) is available to care for a seriously ill parent, parent-in-law, child, spouse, registered domestic partner, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild. AB 518 would add a “designated person” to that list, allowing claimants to receive PFL benefits when caring for seriously ill chosen or extended family members. This updated definition of family member recognizes the many diverse family structures and caregiving relationships that exist throughout California. This addition would have a marginal cost, but a big impact. </p> <p>Outdated family definitions disproportionately affect California’s LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, and older adults who are more likely to depend on chosen or extended family for care. AB 518 will ensure that workers can access the Paid Family Leave benefits that they already pay into to care for their family members. <br /><br />We hope you will join us in supporting this policy to make paid family leave access more equitable. </p>