Michigan Democratic Senator Erika Geiss of Taylor knows what it’s like to be a mom to a daughter battling a serious health issue, which is one reason why she’s sponsoring legislation to create a state-run program known as Family Leave Optimal Coverage (FLOC).
It would provide employees with up to 12 weeks of job-protected paid leave to use for bonding with a new child, a medical problem, caring for a chronically ill loved one, and more.
Geiss hopes the legislation will pass the legislature in the lame-duck session and be sent to Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s desk.
“Being able to have this policy that would provide up to 12 weeks for people when they need to take those longer periods of time would be a game changer for so many Michiganders,” Geiss said.
Geiss said she’s been working on tackling this issue for years alongside the nonprofit Mothering Justice.
“Everyone gets sick, but unfortunately, not everyone has time to get well.,” Mothering Justice Founding National Director Danielle Atkinson said.
As part of the program, workers would be paid up to two-thirds of the state average weekly wage, which is now about $1,260.
Opponents are concerned about the costs to employers and employees.
“This will be paid for by not only a tax on employers but also a tax on employees. And we don’t believe there’s sufficient evidence to suggest that this is something all employees and all employers in Michigan are behind,” Michigan Chamber of Commerce Senior VP of Business Advocacy Wendy Block said.
Michigan Republican Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt said a one-size-fits-all family leave policy would lead the state in the wrong direction.
“If you think the unemployment agency was tough to deal with, I can only imagine going to a state agency to get permission to take off. It’s going to be a disaster,” said Nesbitt.
Only 13 states and the District of Columbia have passed paid family and medical leave laws.