June 1, 2016 - SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Legislation sponsored by state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, which allows workers to use their existing sick time for the care of a loved one passed both houses of the Illinois General Assembly this week.
"No one should have to choose between supporting their family and caring for a loved one," Smiddy said. "Thousands of workers across Illinois and in our community double as caregivers for a family member, and our laws should help them fulfill both of these responsibilities."
The Smiddy-backed legislation allows employees in both the public and private sectors to use their own sick time for the medical needs of a loved one. According to the AARP, six of every ten adults caring for a sick relative make sacrifices at work due to their responsibilities to their loved one. These include reduced hours, changing jobs or exiting the workforce all together. The bill, House Bill 6162, does not grant any additional sick time to employees, simply allows the existing time to be used for caregiving.
"During these difficult economic times, missing work to care for loves ones can make it very difficult for families to make ends meet, and this bill attempts to reduce stress that is common when working and caring for family," Smiddy said. "I urge the governor to sign this bill into law and help the thousands of families already struggle to support themselves and give their loved ones the care they deserve."
House Bill 6162 passed the House on May 24 and was approved by the Senate on May 31. It now awaits action from the governor.
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(submitted by Paul Ferrero)
