Rep. David Steffen (R-Howard)
A Republican state lawmaker wants to eliminate a sick leave policy that greatly benefits members of the legislature.
The proposal, from state Representative David Steffen (R-Green Bay), would keep lawmakers from being able to rollover unused sick time at the end of the year. Members get 10.5 days a year, which can be carried over until they retire. What’s left can be cashed out to help pay for medical benefits in retirement, and Steffen says some lawmakers have more than $100,000 in their accounts. Overall, the current 132 state senators and representative have built up $2.5 million in unused sick leave benefits.
The Green Bay Republican, who is a freshman this session, says members of the state legislature have very flexible schedules, so there’s no reason for them to have paid sick days. “It is not a situation where they will be able to use it or lose it,” he said. “They simply will not have sick leave days at the end of their current elective term.”
Steffen says his bill would not impact other state employees with similar benefits.
WHBY