Women's rights activist Gloria Steinem, actor Cynthia Nixon, supermodel Christy Turlington Burns and more than 150 other female leaders from the arts, politics and business are urging passage of paid family leave in New York.
Activists sent a letter Friday to Governor Andrew Cuomo and lawmakers as the 2016 legislative session begins.
Under a proposal before lawmakers, workers caring for a new child or sick relative could receive up to 12 weeks of paid leave through a system funded by employee payroll deductions.
The letter says paid leave would help ensure economic security for women and families throughout New York.
Other signees include Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner and Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.
