It's time for paid family leave benefit for workers

by Sen. Karen Keiser

Family leave insurance will help employers retain productive workers without imposing undue burdens. A local mother reminded me all too vividly why I sponsored Senate Bill 5659.

This young woman from Auburn was saving vacation and sick leave to use after she gave birth. But she discovered how even prudent planning can be undone. Her son arrived prematurely on a Thursday and in need of intense medical care — and she had to return to work on Monday. She spent every evening driving to Children’s Hospital to spend a few precious hours with her infant, her heart aching that she couldn’t stay with him. “If I could have had even $250 a week of replacement wages, I could have been with my baby during this critical time,” she said.

The importance of family leave insurance to employees is clear. My bill would provide Washington workers who meet the qualifications for family leave with up to a maximum of five weeks of paid leave to help them deal with a family member’s serious illness, or with the birth or adoption of a child. The benefit is modest, just $250 a week. It is enough to make ends meet in a crisis, but not enough to create an incentive, since it falls below the minimum wage rate.

Premiums paid by employees would cover all costs of benefits and program administration. Taxpayers would not pay a dime. Employers would not pay a dime. The same agency that enforces current state family and medical leave act standards would administer this program, so there is a high level of expertise on what constitutes a serious medical condition.

The measure includes protections for businesses and employees. Workers themselves pay the premium of 2 cents an hour and must have at least 680 hours “in the bank” before qualifying. They must provide written notice to employers at least 30 days in advance, when possible, of when leave will begin and end. And workers will have a one-week waiting period before benefits start.

Employers can require medical certification of serious health conditions with verification by the state Department of Labor & Industries. Employers with 50 or fewer employees may take a B & O tax credit for each replacement worker hired for someone on family leave. Employers with 25 or fewer employees are not required to restore an employee to his or her previous job.

Employers know the high cost of turnover and training. Family leave insurance will help companies retain workers, and employees will be more productive without the added stress of a family health or financial crisis.

Losing an employee for several weeks because of a birth or grave illness can be a burden on very small businesses. Last summer, nearly 50 small business owners in Western Washington were interviewed about family leave insurance. Of those, 85 percent supported adopting the program proposed in my bill. Most of the small businesses reported they accommodate workers who need leave, but often cannot provide a paycheck then. Family leave insurance is a win-win for these small businesses and their employees.

As chair of the Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee, I am aware of the evidence showing that sick children cared for by a parent have better health outcomes. I also know that with new technology and treatments, patients are discharged from the hospital sooner, some with lengthy at-home recovery. Many also need treatment such as dressing changes or tube feedings. Families are needed at these critical times, and too many employees have no resources to call on. In public hearings we heard from many of these individuals.

Let’s face it. No one should have to choose between a job and taking care of a spouse or elderly parent who needs care. New mothers should not have to choose between bonding with their newborns and returning to work to pay the rent. Too many workers must make these impossible choices.

Family leave insurance is a modest, common-sense approach to help employees and employers balance the demands of work and family. It’s about time!

Editor’s Note: Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Kent, is chair of the Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee. She also serves on the Labor, Commerce, Research & Development; and the Ways & Means committees. She is the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 5659, which passed the Senate 32-17 and is now before the House of Representatives for further consideration.

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