Sen. Janis Ringhand talks about Senate Bill 215, to expand and improve our current Family Medical Leave Law and create a Family Medical Leave Insurance Program.

MADISON, WI – Senator Janis Ringhand (D-Evansville) offered the weekly Democratic radio address today.

The audio file of this week’s address can be found HERE.

A written transcript of the address is below:

“Hello, this is Senator Janis Ringhand with this week’s Democratic radio address.

“Senate Democrats are committed to supporting ideas and policies that increase the economic well-being of all Wisconsin families.

“Democrats have authored a plan, Senate Bill 215, to expand and improve our current Family Medical Leave Law and create a Family Medical Leave Insurance Program.

“Expanding our Family Medical Leave Law to allow employees to take time off time to care for not only themselves, a spouse, child, parent, domestic partner, in-law but also grandparents, grandchildren, and siblings makes sense and reflects the make-up of modern day families.

“Our bill allows workers to take up 12 weeks off if they become seriously ill or need to care for a sick family member without facing the threat of losing their job.

“Furthermore, Senate Bill 215 creates a Family Medical Leave Insurance Fund so employees can set aside money to use when they are forced to take time off because of a serious illness or to take care of a loved one.

“Not enough workers have access to paid Family and Medical Leave through their employer. Senate Bill 215 creates a new benefit for workers in every part of Wisconsin by enabling them to care for their families and keep their jobs in the event of a medical emergency.

“Creating a Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program will save businesses money and provide economic security for workers. This common sense solution does the right thing for Wisconsin businesses, workers and families.”