Family paid leave on Mass. agenda Proposal in Senate is nation's most generous

The Boston Globe ^ | April 23, 2006 | By Andrea Estes

[Semper Paratus]

Senate leaders this week will propose legislation to offer all workers in Massachusetts up to 12 weeks' paid time off to care for newborn and adopted children or sick family members, financed by an employee payroll premium of at least $1.50 a week.

The bill, which would pay employees their full salary, up to $750 a week, would create the most generous paid leave policy in the nation.

''What family hasn't been touched by some emergency," said Senate President Robert Travaglini, who will formally unveil the proposal Tuesday before the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. ''I've been through physical and medical problems. Knowing you're not going to lose your job and you will continue to be compensated will provide significant comfort."

The premium amount has not yet been determined, but Travaglini aides said it would likely be between $1.50 and $2.50 a week.

Under the bill, all employees would be required to pay into the fund, regardless of whether they believe they would ever take advantage of the benefits.

The premium proposal comes only days after Beacon Hill lawmakers enacted a healthcare law that includes a $295 per worker tax on employers that do not provide health insurance coverage.

Ann Bookman, executive director of the MIT Workplace Center, predicted the plan could help stem the exodus of workers out of state. ''People see this as something for working families," she said. ''But it will help employers. It will create a more stable and more engaged workforce. Workers won't have to worry they'll lose their jobs if they exercise their right to leave. This will send a message -- we want Massachusetts to be a model for workers at different income levels.

[Semper Paratus]

Worker's may flock back to the Gay State but they would meet their employers going the other way.

[the invisib1e hand]

well, they don't call it a "commonwealth" for nuttin!

[Jim Noble]

Ann Bookman, executive director of the MIT Workplace Center, predicted the plan could help stem the exodus of workers out of state

War is Peace

Ignorance is Strength

Freedom is Slavery

[Lockbox]

......between $1.50 and $2.50 a week.

You mean for $2.50 a week, I can get a 12 week paid vacation every year?

Where do I sign up!

[gas0linealley]

The small employer who tried to operate with a legal workforce is already in the grave, these new burdens are just more dirt shoveled onto his coffin.

[goldstategop]

Francachusetts. Film at 11.

(Denny Crane: "I Don't Want To Socialize With A Pinko Liberal Democrat Commie. Say What You Like About Republicans. We Stick To Our Convictions. Even When We Know We're Dead Wrong.")

[AmericanChef]

-"the most generous paid leave policy in the nation."-

According to my Reverse Lefty Dictionary, "generous" means "stupid".

[adorno]

Senate leaders this week will propose legislation to offer all workers in Massachusetts up to 12 weeks' paid time off to care for newborn and adopted children or sick family members, financed by an employee payroll premium of at least $1.50 a week.

The premium proposal comes only days after Beacon Hill lawmakers enacted a healthcare law that includes a $295 per worker tax on employers that do not provide health insurance coverage.

Francochussetts strikes again!

What company owners in their right minds would keep their companies in that state. Or what entrepreneur would start a company under such government dictated controls? Only in France and other communist countries should you expect such dictated government mandates to companies.

[Semper Paratus]

Average salary of 700 per week x 12 = 8400.00.
2.50 per week x 52 = $230.00.

That's liberal math alright.

[Montfort]

And it aint generosity when it is compelled.

[Jim Noble]

Or what entrepreneur would start a company under such government dictated controls?

Starting a business in MA already requires a bewildering array of permits, licenses, and inspections.

[Starboard]

LOL!

[petkus]

Fidelity has moved some of its offices to New Hampshire!

Could this be a trend?

[RdhseRat]

Avg salary $700 700*12=8400 Emplyoyee tax $2.50 2.50*52=230 Employer tax UNKNOWN Using your numbers, 8400/230=36.52 It will take 36.52 "contributions" to pay for one "vacation." Wonder how long it will be before they realize that the employer "MUST" contribute. It is only a matter of time and the amount.

Why not make the employer pay the entire $8400? (sarcasm)

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

Here's what happens to Mass. employers if they don't comply:

[Semper Paratus]

Fidelity has moved some of its offices to New Hampshire!

They are also moving IT from Boston to their large Smithfield RI campus and hiring new workers there.

[Madame Dufarge]

Look for a new cottage industry to spring up.

Crooked doctors willing to certify the "sickness" of family members who need in-home care for, say, at least 12 weeks.

[layman]

we want Massachusetts to be a model for workers at different income levels.

This will turn into an 'entitlement' because, after all, the employees 'paid' for it, and $1.50-$2.50 a week will not be even close to enough. But, who am I to judge. History has shown that central government planning works. (/S)

[yankeedame]

And here's what happens to Mass. employers if they don't want to comply:

=====================

And here's the look on Mass. politicians:

[Fintan]

Welcome to Massachusetts.