MD's lawmakers vote to uphold paid sick leave.

[Deleted member 3812]

JANUARY 23, 3:50 PM EASTERN UPDATE/EDIT: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bs-md-sick-leave-delay-20180123-story.html

A bill was just introduced that if passed by a three-fifths majority in both the Maryland state Senate and the House of Delegates would delay the implementation of the law from 30 days to 60 days, the sick leave law also allows Marylanders to use sick leave days to deal with certain issues relating to domestic violence or sexual assault:

January 23, 2018

The chief sponsor of a new state law requiring most employers to grant sick leave to workers introduced a bill Tuesday that would delay enforcing the requirements of the law.

Sen. Thomas "Mac" Middleton's measure would prohibit the state from enforcing the sick leave law until the middle of April. It's an emergency bill, which would require a three-fifths majority in both the state Senate and the House of Delegates to pass.

State lawmakers and the governor have debated whether to require companies to give their workers sick leave, with lawmakers passing a bill last year. Gov. Larry Hogan vetoed the bill, but lawmakers overrode the veto this month.

But some lawmakers expressed concerns that companies would quickly have to come into compliance with the new law.

Middleton, a Charles County Democrat, said at that time of the veto override that he'd consider introducing a bill to delay implementing the new law. And Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. said he he was willing to consider a delay.

The new-sick leave law becomes effective on Feb.11, which is 30 days after the final override vote was taken.

Middleton's bill introduced Tuesday would prohibit enforcement of the sick leave law for 60 days after that. The bill is scheduled for a hearing Thursday afternoon, putting it on a fast track in the legislative process.

The law requires companies with 15 or more workers to allow them to earn up to five days per year of paid leave, which could be used for illness or dealing with certain issues related to domestic violence or sexual assault.

Companies with fewer employees would be required to allow workers to earn the same amount of unpaid leave.

Hogan, a Republican, had sponsored his own sick-leave bill that offered tax credits to companies that offer paid leave to workers at some companies. Lawmakers didn't advance the governor's bill.

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JANUARY 12, 1:15 PM EASTERN UPDATE/EDIT: The Baltimore Sun reports that the paid sick leave bill becomes law within 30 days now that the veto has been overridden in both the Maryland House and Senate: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bs-md-sick-leave-senate-20180112-story.html

The Maryland Senate voted Friday to override Gov. Larry Hogan's veto of a bill requiring employers to provide paid sick leave to hundreds of thousands of Maryland workers.

The legislation, which was approved by the House of Delegates on Thursday, becomes law in 30 days.

Hogan put up a vigorous fight to pick off a few Democrats in each chamber to sustain his veto. His efforts fell short, however.

The Senate voted 30-17 for the override. That was one more vote than the bill received in the Senate last year.

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JANUARY 12, 12:55 PM EASTERN UPDATE/EDIT: The Maryland Senate has just voted (30-17) to override the veto of the paid sick leave bill meaning paid sick leave has become a reality in Maryland!!!

JANUARY 11TH, 11:57 AM EASTERN UPDATE/EDIT: The Maryland House has just voted (88-52) to override the veto of the paid sick leave bill, next up will be the Maryland Senate and if they vote to override, paid sick leave will become a reality in Maryland: https://www.bizjournals.com/baltimo...d-house-votes-to-override-hogans-veto-of.html

January 11, 2018

Democratic lawmakers in Maryland's House of Delegates voted overwhelmingly Thursday to override Gov. Larry Hogan's veto of the paid sick leave law passed last year.

The House voted 88-52 to override the veto of the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act. Before the bill can become law, the Senate must also override the veto with a three-fifths majority vote. That vote is expected to take place Friday.

The Maryland Healthy Working Families Act was a top priority for Democrats last year. The law requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide up to five days of paid sick leave. Businesses with fewer than 15 employees have to provide five unpaid sick days. A coalition of groups including the National Federal for Independent Businesses and the Maryland Chamber of Commerce opposed the bill.

Hogan, a Republican, vetoed the legislation last May. He has described the law as "confusing, unwieldy, unfair and deeply flawed" and said it would destroy Maryland's economy, hurt small businesses and result in the loss of thousands of jobs.

During the debate before the vote, Republicans argued that the bill hurts small businesses and is "deeply flawed." Some women from the Republican caucus said the bill would put women who are victims of sexual violence in a position of "revictimizing" themselves because they have to explain to employers why they are taking sick leave.

Del. Dereck Davis, chairman of the Economic Matters Committee, said over the last three years there have been 30 amendments to the bill at the behest of business advocates.

"It's time to fold it guys," Davis said on the House floor. "There have been countless hours of debate. We have met with stakeholders and read hours of testimony...Democracy has to run its course. HB1, time to get it done."

Del. Cheryl Glenn, a Democrat from Baltimore City, said she was a victim of sexual violence at the hands of her ex-husband. She implored her colleagues to support the bill because providing paid sick leave would give women the ability to stay home at work without having to make a tough decision between staying home or going to work and risk being followed by the abuser.

"As a survivor and a victim, it's a very, very tough situation to be in, especially if you are working and trying to take care of your family every day," Glenn said. "Let's give victims an opportunity to take leave here."

The 32BJ SEIU union and the Maryland Working Families Party have been pushing for the law for the past several years. They and other left-leaning organization rallied Thursday morning in front of the State House to support paid sick leave.

"Marylanders are sending the message loud and clear: they need paid sick leave, so they don't have to decide between their health and financial ruin," 32BJ SEIU Vice President Jaime Contreras said in a statement. "An overwhelming majority of voters on both sides of the aisle expect leaders to put their health and well-being over politics."

The union and Maryland Working Families are using social media, print media, an online petition and brochures to target senators "who are on the fence" in Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Prince George's County.

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JANUARY 11TH, 10:11 AM EASTERN UPDATE/EDIT: Here's a link to the paid sick leave bill that was vetoed by Governor Hogan: http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0001&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2017RS and on the Maryland House agenda for today, January 11th is the vetoed paid sick leave bill: http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/f...&id=current-house-agenda&stab=04&tab=subject2

JANUARY 11, 2018 - SESSION 1

January 10, 2018
Calendar of Vetoed House Bills No. 2
To Be Taken Up On January 10, 2018
HB 1 Delegate Clippinger - Economic Matters - Labor and Employment - Maryland Healthy Working Families Act
HB 694 Delegate McIntosh - Appropriations - Higher Education - Admissions Process - Criminal History (Maryland Fair Access to Education Act of 2017)

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Maryland's General Assembly last year passed a paid sick leave bill that had strong opposition from business lobbyists and advocacy groups and they are fighting to have the veto upheld, our Republican Governor decided to veto the bill and in this year's General Assembly session will likely have two votes on whether to uphold or override the veto of the paid sick leave bill, likely to be today, January 11th for the Maryland House and tomorrow, January 12th for the Maryland Senate. The MD Senate President specifically cited that all part-time employees of Walmart needs paid sick leave: https://www.bizjournals.com/baltimo...ssembly-vote-on-hogans-veto-of-paid-sick.html

January 10, 2018

A vote on whether to sustain Gov. Larry Hogan's veto of a paid sick leave law is likely to happen by the end of the week.

Shortly after the General Assembly opened its 438th session, the House scheduled a possible vote on Thursday. Senate President Thomas V. Mike MillerJr. said his chamber will wait until the House has voted. If the House votes to override Hogan's veto, the Senate could vote on Friday. The paid sick leave law is one of the top issues on the General Assembly's agenda affecting businesses.

The Maryland Healthy Working Families Act passed by Democrats requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide up to five days of paid sick leave. Businesses with fewer than 15 employees have to provide five unpaid sick days.

Hogan, a Republican, vetoed the legislation last May. He has described the law as "confusing, unwieldy, unfair and deeply flawed" and said it would destroy Maryland's economy, hurt small businesses and result in the loss of thousands of jobs. A coalition of groups including the National Federal for Independent Businesses and the Maryland Chamber of Commerce opposed the bill.

Hogan proposed his own paid sick leave law last year, but the legislature never voted on it. He has proposed another one, but if the General Assembly overrides his veto it is unlikely those bills would be considered either.

Miller said during an interview with radio host Marc Steiner at the annual Annapolis Summit that Hogan's administration has been "working hard to pick some of them off," referring to Democrats who supported the bill last year.

The longtime Senate president from Prince George's County said he hopes both chambers vote to override the vote. Both the House and Senate have to have a three-fifths majority vote to override.

"I hope he's [Hogan's] not successful," Miller said. "We want to send strong message to working men and women, especially those people who work at Walmart who are part-time employees and just don't have the benefits. They need this sick leave."

House Speaker Michael E. Busch echoed Miller, saying he is "enthusiastic" about an override of the veto.

"I think vast majority of employers have ways to deal with employees and make sure they have opportunities to take care of their family," Busch said.

The coalition of business advocacy groups has been working to mobilize business owners to call lawmakers and ask them to vote for sustaining Hogan's veto.

"If you have already been active as an individual business leader advocating to uphold the veto, thank you," Larry Richard, vice president of government affairs for the Maryland Chamber wrote to members in an email on Wednesday.

"We appreciate the voice you have added to ours as we stand against unaffordable and damaging mandates from legislators who don't understand business."

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Thread title edited at request of thread creator. --Mods

 

[Irnbru]

Its 5 fucking days , Jesus Christ, how does that hurt your business. Just pro-rate them

 

[Deleted member 2533]

There should be signs on businesses that say stuff like, "the person preparing your food today has a cold." Let's see how many Republicans choose to support the business that day.

 

[Deleted member 3812]

The Maryland House has just voted (88-52) to override the veto of the paid sick leave bill, next up will be the Maryland Senate and if they vote to override, paid sick leave will become a reality in Maryland: https://www.bizjournals.com/baltimo...d-house-votes-to-override-hogans-veto-of.html

January 11, 2018

Democratic lawmakers in Maryland's House of Delegates voted overwhelmingly Thursday to override Gov. Larry Hogan's veto of the paid sick leave law passed last year.

The House voted 88-52 to override the veto of the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act. Before the bill can become law, the Senate must also override the veto with a three-fifths majority vote. That vote is expected to take place Friday.

The Maryland Healthy Working Families Act was a top priority for Democrats last year. The law requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide up to five days of paid sick leave. Businesses with fewer than 15 employees have to provide five unpaid sick days. A coalition of groups including the National Federal for Independent Businesses and the Maryland Chamber of Commerce opposed the bill.

Hogan, a Republican, vetoed the legislation last May. He has described the law as "confusing, unwieldy, unfair and deeply flawed" and said it would destroy Maryland's economy, hurt small businesses and result in the loss of thousands of jobs.

During the debate before the vote, Republicans argued that the bill hurts small businesses and is "deeply flawed." Some women from the Republican caucus said the bill would put women who are victims of sexual violence in a position of "revictimizing" themselves because they have to explain to employers why they are taking sick leave.

Del. Dereck Davis, chairman of the Economic Matters Committee, said over the last three years there have been 30 amendments to the bill at the behest of business advocates.

"It's time to fold it guys," Davis said on the House floor. "There have been countless hours of debate. We have met with stakeholders and read hours of testimony...Democracy has to run its course. HB1, time to get it done."

Del. Cheryl Glenn, a Democrat from Baltimore City, said she was a victim of sexual violence at the hands of her ex-husband. She implored her colleagues to support the bill because providing paid sick leave would give women the ability to stay home at work without having to make a tough decision between staying home or going to work and risk being followed by the abuser.

"As a survivor and a victim, it's a very, very tough situation to be in, especially if you are working and trying to take care of your family every day," Glenn said. "Let's give victims an opportunity to take leave here."

The 32BJ SEIU union and the Maryland Working Families Party have been pushing for the law for the past several years. They and other left-leaning organization rallied Thursday morning in front of the State House to support paid sick leave.

"Marylanders are sending the message loud and clear: they need paid sick leave, so they don't have to decide between their health and financial ruin," 32BJ SEIU Vice President Jaime Contreras said in a statement. "An overwhelming majority of voters on both sides of the aisle expect leaders to put their health and well-being over politics."

The union and Maryland Working Families are using social media, print media, an online petition and brochures to target senators "who are on the fence" in Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Prince George's County.

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[TarNaru33]

The Maryland Healthy Working Families Act passed by Democrats requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide up to five days of paid sick leave. Businesses with fewer than 15 employees have to provide five unpaid sick days.

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What? How is this fair to small businesses?

EDIT: Yeah, wow I read that as paid sick days for small businesses lol. I was saying how is it fair for bigger businesses to have UP TO 5 paid days while smaller ones have to actually have it.

 

[absolutbro]

Small businesses have to provide UNpaid leave. Large businesses have to provide PAID leave.

I fully expect this to get passed and override the veto. Can't wait to get rid of Hogan.

 

[ahoyhoy]

What? How is this fair to small businesses?

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Sick people make bad workers anyway. Not like they have to pay them to stay home.

 

[Tideas]

but wait, democrats don't care about minorities ?

What? How is this fair to small businesses?

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big businesses have to pay sick leave? small businesses don't have to?

 

[collige]

My state stays generally winning, wack governors aside.

What? How is this fair to small businesses?

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How is it unfair?

 

[HomerSimpson-Man]

Man, just for only 5 paid sick days to got to fight tooth and nail for. Can't give up!

I can't wait to vote Hogan out this year in November.

 

[Sulik2]

Meanwhile in Europe.... Our benefits in the USA are a literal crime against modern civilization.

 

[Deleted member 3812]

Paid Sick Leave is now a reality in Maryland, the Maryland Senate has overrode the veto for paid sick leave!!!!

 

[ahoyhoy]

Sweet. Hopefully they don't take away a week of vacation time to meet this requirement.

 

[Deleted member 3812]

Baltimore Sun reports that the paid sick leave bill becomes law within 30 days now that the veto has been overridden in both the Maryland House and Senate: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bs-md-sick-leave-senate-20180112-story.html

The Maryland Senate voted Friday to override Gov. Larry Hogan's veto of a bill requiring employers to provide paid sick leave to hundreds of thousands of Maryland workers.

The legislation, which was approved by the House of Delegates on Thursday, becomes law in 30 days.

Hogan put up a vigorous fight to pick off a few Democrats in each chamber to sustain his veto. His efforts fell short, however.

The Senate voted 30-17 for the override. That was one more vote than the bill received in the Senate last year.

Click to shrink...

 

[Deleted member 3812]

An update: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bs-md-sick-leave-delay-20180123-story.html

A bill was just introduced that if passed by a three-fifths majority in both the Maryland state Senate and the House of Delegates would delay the implementation of the law from 30 days to 60 days, the sick leave law also allows Marylanders to use sick leave days to deal with certain issues relating to domestic violence or sexual assault:

January 23, 2018

The chief sponsor of a new state law requiring most employers to grant sick leave to workers introduced a bill Tuesday that would delay enforcing the requirements of the law.

Sen. Thomas "Mac" Middleton's measure would prohibit the state from enforcing the sick leave law until the middle of April. It's an emergency bill, which would require a three-fifths majority in both the state Senate and the House of Delegates to pass.

State lawmakers and the governor have debated whether to require companies to give their workers sick leave, with lawmakers passing a bill last year. Gov. Larry Hogan vetoed the bill, but lawmakers overrode the veto this month.

But some lawmakers expressed concerns that companies would quickly have to come into compliance with the new law.

Middleton, a Charles County Democrat, said at that time of the veto override that he'd consider introducing a bill to delay implementing the new law. And Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. said he he was willing to consider a delay.

The new-sick leave law becomes effective on Feb.11, which is 30 days after the final override vote was taken.

Middleton's bill introduced Tuesday would prohibit enforcement of the sick leave law for 60 days after that. The bill is scheduled for a hearing Thursday afternoon, putting it on a fast track in the legislative process.

The law requires companies with 15 or more workers to allow them to earn up to five days per year of paid leave, which could be used for illness or dealing with certain issues related to domestic violence or sexual assault.

Companies with fewer employees would be required to allow workers to earn the same amount of unpaid leave.

Hogan, a Republican, had sponsored his own sick-leave bill that offered tax credits to companies that offer paid leave to workers at some companies. Lawmakers didn't advance the governor's bill.

Click to shrink...