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Bernie Sanders Applauds Colorado's Approval Of Proposition 118, Says It's Part Of 'Progressive Agenda'

(CBS4) - Sen. Bernie Sanders says Colorado voters' approval of a plan to create a program mandating paid family and medical leave for workers is part of a bigger trend: voters approving progressive agendas across the country.

Sen. Bernie Sanders Makes First Campaign Stop In Colorado For 2020 Race
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks to supporters at a rally at Civic Center Park on September 9, 2019 in Denver. (credit: Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images)

The Vermont politician who made an unsuccessful run for the Democratic nomination for president wrote on Sunday about Proposition 118 on social media. It applies to workers across all industries and income levels. Opponents had said the coronavirus pandemic makes such a program unaffordable, but supporters say the pandemic requires it.

"Florida passed a $15 minimum wage. Montana, South Dakota, Arizona & New Jersey legalized marijuana. Colorado passed 12 weeks of paid family leave. Arizona increased taxes on the rich to fund education. All over America, voters approved a progressive agenda. Now, Congress must act," he wrote on Facebook and on Twitter.

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment will be responsible for setting up the program. Employers and employees will have to pay a payroll premium beginning Jan. 1, 2023. It will provided eligible employees up to 12 weeks of paid and medical leave beginning in 2024.

(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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