There's a renewed push at the Capitol to get rid of lawmakers' sick leave benefits.
Lawmakers are allowed to put unused sick leave toward retirement health benefits. The program has drawn criticism though because many lawmakers never take a sick day and many have claimed the system is easily abused.
State Senator Ted Kanavas (R-Brookfield) is co-sponsor of a bill that would eliminate the benefit. The measure is still awaiting action in the Senate, and Kanavas is calling on new Majority Leader Russ Decker (D-Weston) to take it up. He says the benefits need to be stopped in order to restore public confidence in the Legislature.
The Assembly approved the bill earlier this year, but Senate action was delayed because of the budget and a lack of Democrat support. Kanavas is hopeful the change in leadership will help push it forward this session.
