Democratic lawmakers are renewing their push to create paid family and medical leave in Wisconsin.
A bill unveiled Wednesday would allow workers who elect to contribute a portion of their wages to the program to claim up to 14 paid weeks each year of combined family and medical leave.
Current Wisconsin law mandates that workers get at least two weeks of unpaid leave if they’re seriously ill or need to care for a seriously ill family member. That law, which only applies to businesses with at least 50 employees, also requires at least six weeks of unpaid leave for the birth or adoption of a child.
Under federal law, eligible workers get at least 12 weeks of unpaid leave for situations including caring for a newborn and dealing with serious illness.
But Rep. Francesca Hong, D-Madison, says unpaid leave isn’t enough.
“No one should ever have to choose between care for themselves or a loved one and a paycheck,” said Hong during a news conference unveiling the plan at the state Capitol.
Republican lawmakers have previously rejected similar plans from Democratic Gov. Evers, which would have used state funding to bolster a 12-week paid family and medical leave program in Wisconsin.