05/01/2008
CONTACT: Andy Markowski, 203-626-5815 or Jason Brewer, 202-406-4435
HARTFORD, Conn. -- The following is a statement by Andy Markowski, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business/Connecticut, reacting to tonight's vote in the state Senate to create a paid sick leave mandate.
"Forcing small employers to adhere to a one-size-fits-all paid leave mandate will have a tremendously negative impact on the small business community in Connecticut. Today's vote in the state Senate to impose such a mandate on businesses with more than 50 employees speaks to how out-of-touch many legislators are with the difficulties facing thousands of small business owners across our state.
"Small business owners need flexible policies that better fit the needs of their employees and their business -- what may work for Wal-Mart doesn't always work on Main Street.
"The reality for today's small business owners is that they must compete for qualified employees by offering flexibility when needed to balance family and work. This proposal ignores the fact that most small business owners already arrange for their employees to take time off as needed.
"The Senate plan also creates a problematic loophole by not requiring leave documentation to be provided to the employer until three consecutive days have been taken off by an employee. An employee could abuse this policy and take long weekends and holidays while the other employees and business owner pick up the slack.
"There is never a right time for government to force new mandates on our state's small businesses, but if there was ever a wrong time, this is it. Higher fuel costs, soaring health insurance premiums and rising food and raw material prices are already pinching profits and causing many small employers to sweat through every month. With so many challenges for small businesses to navigate, now is the wrong time to impose a mandate that will lead to more headaches, more paperwork and fewer jobs."
