A bill being introduced in the state legislature aims to increase parent involvement in their kid's education.
State Representative Spencer Black (D-Madison) says parental involvement in schools is significant in a student's academic success. His proposal would make it a little easier for some folks.
"This bill would allow parents to get time off of work — time that they've earned — to attend their children's educational activities if they aren't able to do it outside of work time."
Black says his measure does not require employers to provide employees with additional paid leave. Instead, the Madison Democrat says the bill allows the worker to substitute up to 16 hours per year of vacation, sick leave, or other unpaid leave when it's necessary to attend school events that cannot be scheduled in non-work hours.
"We require the employee to make a reasonable effort to schedule it so it does not disrupt the employer's operations and also to have to give advance notice to the employer and they also have to try to schedule it during non-work time."
Black says this would be an extension of the existing Family and Medical Leave law, protecting parents from fear of losing their jobs.
This is not the first time Black has introduced this measure, but he's more confident it will move forward this time around, considering the Democrats are now in the majority of the Legislature.
NOTE: Minnesota and Illinois have similar laws already on the books.
AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report (1:28 MP3)
