House reaffirms its support for family medical leave law
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"It's time to get to 'yes' on this bill," said Rep.
She cited public opinion polls showing popular support for the idea and the endorsement of businesses in the state.
"This is a unique
Opponents said the bill, even with amendments, creates an insurance program with no guarantees that the premiums paid by participants will generate enough money to pay claims, leaving state taxpayers on the hook.
The plan originally called for a 0.5 percent wage contribution from employees, who can choose to opt out of the program by filling out a form and having it notarized. After qualifying, a worker would get 60 percent of average wages for up to 12 weeks, with a minimum benefit of
Qualifying events would include birth, adoption or fostering of a child; or the serious illness of a spouse, civil union partner, child, parent, grandparent or in-laws, as defined by the federal Family Medical Leave Act; it also includes treatment for addiction.
The bill has since been amended to increase employee contributions to 0.67 percent of wages and reduce eligibility from 12 weeks to six.
Those changes will not ensure the plan's solvency, according to Rep.
"This is an incredibly bad gamble for the state and the people we are trying to help," she said. "If we don't get enough participation, the math won't work; the money won't be there; and all of you will have to pay for this."
The measure passed the House despite the opposition of Republican leadership. Majority Leader
"This legislation will cost
The vote on HB 628 came less than a month after the full House voted for the first time 183-151 in support. The bill was then referred to the
The bill still has a long way to go, as it now heads to the
Gov.
If the bill is signed into law,
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