Democratic lawmakers in Wisconsin are advocating for the creation of paid family and medical leave. A proposed bill would offer workers who willing to contribute part of their income to the scheme up to 14 paid weeks of combined family and medical leave yearly. Current Wisconsin law only requires employees to receive a minimum of two weeks of unpaid leave for serious illness or to care for a severely sick family member. This law applies to businesses with at least 50 employees and necessitates a minimum of six weeks unpaid leave for the birth or adoption of a child.

The new bill is backed by Rep. Francesca Hong and her fellow Democrats and would transfer roughly $259 million from Wisconsin’s general fund in the current two-year budget cycle to establish a Family and Medical Leave Insurance Trust Fund. Effective from 2026, this fund would provide benefits to people dealing with significant life events like serious illness or birth, adoption or foster placement of a child.

Under the proposed legislation, businesses would be required to help build this fund and those with more than 50 employees would match at least half of a worker’s contribution. For smaller businesses, a tiered system would be designed by Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development to determine employer contributions, according to the bill. The new laws would also broaden the list of situations in which employees can claim medical or family leave and thirteen states, neighboring Minnesota included, have enacted mandatory paid family leave systems, as stated by the Washington, D.C.-based Bipartisan Policy Center.

Navigating these new policies and programs can often be confusing, and getting in touch with the relevant authorities can sometimes be a daunting task. That’s where eddcaller.com comes in, providing users with a comprehensive guide on how to contact agencies for a smoother experience. For instance, if you wish to get a hold of the Wisconsin legislature or Paid Family Leave office, eddcaller.com can guide you seamlessly through the process. The platform offers crucial information and tips for a successful contact attempt, ensuring that you can have your queries addressed accurately and promptly.