Posted on April 24, 2024
“During today’s session, we held lengthy debate on an act expanding sick days (H.B. 5005). This legislation, while well-intentioned, will prove to be detrimental to small businesses across our state. At a time when our small businesses are struggling, saddling them with more mandates is not the route to go. Even if an employer has only one part-time employee, business owners must offer up to 40 hours of accrued paid leave to part-time workers regardless of how many hours such part-time employee works. This is a big change from the 10-hour average, which is currently required by employees to be eligible for paid sick leave. While seasonal employees are excluded, anyone who works 120 days will be eligible.
Only 8 other states require all employers to provide paid sick leave and the passage of this legislation will make Connecticut one of the least attractive places to open a business. As the state government continues to restrict these entities, there will be less career paths for Connecticut residents to choose from. Unfortunately, the legislation was approved by a final tally of 88-61.”
-State Rep. Karen Reddington-Hughes, 66th House District.