Healthy Families Act
The Healthy Families Act was re-introduced to the 111th Congress in May 2009 and was being reviewed by committee as of October 2009. The bill had been submitted in the past to previous sessions of Congress under President George W. Bush with no results.
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Purpose
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The intent of the Healthy Families Act is to provide one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 56 hours in a year. The legislation, if approved, would only apply to employers who employee 15 or more workers.
Benefits
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The proposed legislation would be beneficial to those needing time off to meet their own medical needs as well as the needs of certain family members; in addition, it would provide time off to seek medical attention and assistance in the event of domestic violence and sexual assault.
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Committee
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After its introduction in May 2009, the bill for the Healthy Families Act was submitted to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. Two notable senators on that committee are Sen. Kay Hagan, (D-N.C.) and Sen. John McCain, (r-Ariz.).
Supporters
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President Barack Obama supported the legislation as an Illinois senator and backed it as president in 2009. The late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) presented the latest bill to Congress.
Opponents
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According to a New York Times report on May 15, 2009, small business groups "are vowing to block the legislation" in an effort to avoid new restrictions on employers that they believe would only raise costs.
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