SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is sponsoring legislation allowing Illinois workers caring for a relative to use their own sick time for caregiving responsibilities.
"More than a million Illinoisans maintain jobs to support their families, and are the primary caregiver for a sick loved one," Smiddy said. "These men and women who work hard and provide critical care are unsung heroes in our communities and Illinois law should be there for them to reduce their stress."
According to AARP Illinois, six out of every ten family caregivers in Illinois make sacrifices at work due to their responsibility to their family member including reducing hours, changing jobs or exiting the work force entirely. Smiddy’s measure, House Bill 6162, allows an employee working in Illinois’ public or private sector to use up to half of their accumulated sick leave benefits to help care for a family member experiencing illness, injury or needing help attending medical appointments. The measure does not grant extra sick leave to employees. Instead, it simply expands the use of existing leave to include care responsibilities.
"No one should face the choice of caring for a loved one or maintaining their livelihood," Smiddy said. "This bill will help caregivers maintain their responsibilities at home and in our workforce."
For more information, contact Smiddy’s full-time constituent service office at 309-848-9098 or email RepSmiddy@gmail.com.
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