Check out this coverage of the bill 9to5 champions for Wisconsin paid family and medical leave insurance.

Reposted from WKOW 27

MADISON (WKOW) — Some Democratic lawmakers have introduced details of a new bill that would allow workers to plan ahead for moments when they need to take some time off.

Right now, Wisconsin’s Family and Medical Leave Act requires companies with 50 or more permanent employees to allow workers up to six weeks of leave for a new child and up to two weeks of leave to care for an ailing family member or their own medical condition. There is no requirement that time off be paid.

The bill would allow an option for employees to regularly contribute to a trust fund that would reimburse them if they needed to take family time or sick leave. Lawmakers say it wouldn’t cost businesses anything.

Rep. Sondy Pope, who is putting forward the bill, says she had to take time to care for her mother last year after she had a stroke and it took a toll on her whole family.

“This is a common sense solution to a problem that has huge impact on Wisconsin families and our state’s economy,” Pope said at a news conference Thursday. “It is time for the U.S. to catch up with the rest of the world and Wisconsin can lead the way in protecting workers and their families by passing this common sense legislation.”

Federal legislation allows employees to take job-protected time off but it is not required to be paid.