CHICAGO – The Paid Leave for Workers Act that allows employees to take up to 40 hours of paid leave was signed into law Monday, thanks to support from State Senator Mike Simmons.
“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,” 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, passed in January in the 102nd General Assembly, 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. Employees may use their paid leave starting on the 90th day of employment. Senator Simmons was proud to be a chief-cosponsor of the legislation.
“I am thrilled to see this legislation being signed into law today,” said Simmons. “The Paid Leave for Workers Act will help everyday people balance family time with work.”
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 signing of SB 208, all employees, including single parents, will now have 40 hours of paid time off.
Senate Bill 208 was signed into law by the governor on Monday, March 13.
