Rep. Driskell Denounces Bill to Limit Paid Sick Leave for Michigan Workers

A new bill moving through the Michigan Legislature is receiving significant push back from Democratic lawmakers.

House Bill 4249, sponsored by state Rep. Earl Poleski, R-Jackson, would bar municipalities from enacting paid leave policies greater than those of the state or federal government.

Reps. Gretchen Driskell, D-Saline, and Henry Yanez, D-Sterling Heights, members of the Michigan House Commerce Committee, heard testimony Thursday on the bill.

Driskell said she believes the bill is meant to restrict the ability of local communities to support the health and well-being of their workforce.

"As a former mayor, I believe that local governments know best how to meet community health issues," Driskell said. "Over 1.5 million workers in this state do not have sick leave. This becomes a public health issue when sick employees come to work or have to bring their sick children to day care because they cannot afford an unpaid sick day."

If HB 4249 is passed, Yanez said residents could be forced to choose between going to work while sick, or staying home without pay.

"Michigan's middle class is the backbone of our state's economy. When families do well, everyone prospers," Yanez said. "Instead, some in Lansing would continue to attack the economic security of middle-class families. I will fight to oppose this legislation every step of the way."