It's about time

In Washington state, a Senate budget committee just approved legislation — Senate Bill 5659 — that would entitle all workers to up to five weeks of paid family leave per year.

According to a report in The Seattle Times, workers could "use it to stay home with a newborn baby or newly adopted child, to care for a sick relative or domestic partner, or as personal sick leave.

"Payments would be capped initially at $250 per week, a figure that would grow with inflation. To cover the benefits, the state would impose a payroll tax of 2 cents an hour per employee — about $40 per year. The bill would allow employers to deduct the tax from employee paychecks.

"The program, which would take effect in 2009, is projected eventually to cost about $100 million per year.

"It would be the nation's second-highest family-leave benefit, behind California. Several other states, however, also are considering expanding their programs."

Kudos to Washington state lawmakers for finally taking this step. For working mothers who might not otherwise be able to afford time off, this bill could financially enable them to spend time bonding with baby, establish breastfeeding or care for a sick child.

The bill still needs to pass the House, so now is the time to contact your legislators.