STATE:

Why NFIB

Take Action

Get Support

Stay Informed

Podcast Podcast

Careers Careers

Join Now

Home / News /

Legislation Would Require Paid Sick Leave For Wisconsin Small Business

March 2, 2022 Last Edit: June 5, 2025

Legislation Would Require Paid Sick Leave For Wisconsin Small Business

A proposal that would create a family and medical leave insurance program is being circulated for co-sponsors in the Wisconsin Legislature. The proposal would expand coverage of the current Family and Medical Leave Act to include grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, and any eligible employee who has an eligible family member deployed overseas by the military. According to the Family Medical Leave Insurance Act proposal, employees would be eligible to receive compensation for time away from work to care for an eligible family member. Employees would pay for the paid leave benefit by contributing a percentage of their wages to a trust fund administered by the Department of Workforce Development. The contribution fee, paid by employees, would be established by the Department of Workforce Development, in consultation with the Insurance Commissioner, and would be collected by the DWD in the same manner as DWD collects taxes to fund the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund. Although the current Family and Medical Leave law includes a small employer exemption (50 or fewer full-time employees), the Medical Leave and Insurance Act proposal would apply to all employers regardless of number of employees. Benefits payable under the proposal would be exempt from state income taxes, and cannot exceed $1,000 per week, adjusted according to the Consumer Price Index. The proposal would also allow local governments to enact and enforce ordinances requiring employers provide leave to their employees as long as these ordinances are more generous than those provided under state law. According to authors of the proposal, “the benefits of paid leave are well established” and “… improves mental health and enhances economic security.”

Topics:

Taxes

State:

Wisconsin

Get to know NFIB

NFIB is a member-driven organization advocating on behalf of small and independent businesses nationwide.

Learn More

February 3, 2026

NFIB Comment Ahead of Governor Lamont’s State of the State Address

Connecticut’s small business owners need more than one-time rebates to thrive — they need long-term, structural tax reforms

February 3, 2026

VA Tax Bills Would Drive Up Costs for VA Small Businesses and Families

Some lawmakers are eyeing new taxes despite a state budget surplus.

February 3, 2026

NFIB Survey Shows SC Small Business Owners Support Personal Property Tax Relief

The 2026 state member ballot also looked at lawsuit abuse and regulatory reform.

February 3, 2026

Make Your Voice Heard: Virtual Workgroup on Sales Tax on Leases

The Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Taxation, is hosting a virtual workgroup meeting to discuss the promulgation of a new sales tax rule regarding …

Legislation Would Require Paid Sick Leave For Wisconsin Small Business

Related Articles