SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons Chief-Cosponsored legislation that allows employees to take up to 40 hours of paid leave.

“Life is unpredictable, from a car accident to a child home with a fever to caring for an elderly parent, things happen that will take priority over work,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “It is important all employees in Illinois, especially working single-parents and those with families, have the time they need to handle what is happening at home without worrying about missing a paycheck.”

Senate Bill 208 creates the Paid Leave for Workers Act, which provides employees in Illinois with a minimum of 40 hours of paid leave which can be used for any reason within a 12-month period. Senator Simmons was proud to be a Chief-Cosponsor of the legislation.

The measure corresponds with another proposal Senator Simmons sponsored in the 102nd General Assembly, the Single Parents’ Bill of Rights. That bill would allow employees who are single parents to claim up to 40 hours of unpaid time off of work to care for their child’s needs. With the passage of SB 208, all employees, including single parents, will now have 40 hours of paid time off.   

“Parenting is one of the toughest jobs you can have. Nearly one out of three households in my district are headed by single parents,” Simmons said. “In my People’s Legislative Council initiative, single moms from our district told me that they often struggle to get time away from work to attend their kid’s parent teacher conferences, attend sporting events, or get a sick child to the doctor. It’s my duty to fight for legislation that will aid single parents in the balancing act of raising their children, showing up for work, and taking care of themselves as hardworking parents who are so underappreciated. The Paid Leave for Workers Act will help them achieve that balance.”

SB 208 passed out of the Senate on Tuesday and now heads to the Governor’s desk for consideration.