PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Legislation expanding temporary disability benefits to residents who need to leave work to care for a newborn or a sick relative took another step towards final passage Tuesday, with approval by the state House of Representatives.
The proposal now must return to the Senate because a technical change was made on the House floor. A version of the measure has already passed that chamber. Tuesday is the final day of the 2013 legislative session.
If signed into law by the governor, it would effectively hike a state tax on wages that funds the Temporary Disability Insurance, or TDI, program. Currently, TDI only covers those who suffer a non-work-related illness or injury.
The proposal, introduced by Sen. Gayle Goldin, D-Providence, and state Rep. Elaine Coderre, D-Pawtucket, is modeled after programs already in place in California and New Jersey.
During a nearly one-hour debate, House lawmakers argued about whether the proposal hurt or helped business.
Supporters argued that it helped companies because it allowed them to retain the investment they've made in workers who would otherwise have to leave their jobs to care for a family member.
Opponents countered that the chamber of commerce and other business groups are opposed to the bill.
"We've been in economic forums all session. Has this ever been one of the solutions that the business community has said they need? It isn't, as well-intentioned as this is," said Rep. Joy Hearn, D-Barrington. "I've heard from many business in my community that have said, 'This will break us'."
Responded state Rep. Frank Ferri, D-Warwick: "It helps my business because it helps my employees."
Republicans proposed an amendment that would have made only those workers at companies with 50 or more employees eligible. But that proposal failed.
Starting January 2014, the bill proposes up to four weeks of paid leave for those who need to care for a newborn or newly adopted child or a sick relative. The amount of weeks covered would gradually increase, from up to six weeks in 2015 and then up to eight weeks in 2016 and thereafter.
Those on TDI for their own illness or injury would still be able to qualify for up to 30 weeks of benefits. The minimum weekly payment is currently set at $72 and the maximum benefit is $752.
Rhode Island is one of just five states in the nation that has a TDI program. The other states are California, New Jersey, New York and Hawaii.