Overview:
- The Michigan Senate Housing and Human Services Committee has advanced Senate Bills 332 and 333, introducing the Family Leave Optimal Coverage (FLOC) program.
- This initiative promises up to 12 weeks of job-protected, paid leave for caregiving, illness, or bereavement, filling gaps left by the current Family and Medical Leave Act.
- The legislation seeks to extend paid leave to more Michigan workers, particularly those in small businesses and lower-income roles. Advocates highlight the public health and economic advantages of paid leave, such as better health outcomes and lower turnover costs. The bills now proceed to the full Senate for deliberation.
The Michigan Senate Housing and Human Services Committee approved Senate Bills 332 and 333 on December 10, advancing a proposal to create the Family Leave Optimal Coverage (FLOC) program. If passed, the program would provide Michigan workers with up to 12 weeks of job-protected, paid leave for caregiving, illness, or bereavement.
The legislation seeks to address gaps in the current Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which provides only unpaid leave and applies to a limited portion of the workforce. The FLOC program aims to make paid leave accessible to more Michigan workers, including those in small businesses and lower-income jobs, who are less likely to qualify under existing federal policies.
Advocates for the legislation emphasize its potential to improve health and economic stability for families. Danielle Atkinson, Founding Executive Director of Mothering Justice, highlighted the challenges faced by families balancing work and caregiving.
“Michigan families are struggling to balance caregiving and economic survival. Passing FLOC, which could benefit 1.6 million workers, ensures no parent has to choose between their loved ones and their livelihood,” Atkinson said in a statement.
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Michigan Senate greenlights MI Momnibus bills to combat racial gaps in maternal healthcare
The Michigan Senate has passed the MI Momnibus bill package, targeting racial disparities in maternal healthcare for Black and brown mothers, aiming to enhance maternal health outcomes and tackle systemic racism.
Michigan Black moms at center of ‘Momnibus’ healthcare reform effort
A community-driven legislative package aims to uplift Black maternal healthcare, proposing systemic changes to address racial disparities impacting Black mothers and babies.
The proposed program has been backed by research from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, which estimates that the cost to workers and employers would be modest. Workers earning the median wage would pay around $3.25 per week, while a small business with 50 employees would incur annual costs of approximately $9,000.
Health experts also point to the public health benefits of paid leave. According to Amanda Klein, Government Relations Director for the American Heart Association-Michigan, paid leave is linked to improved maternal and infant health outcomes, reduced stress, and better chronic disease management.
A study from the University of Michigan’s Poverty Solutions supports these findings, showing that paid leave contributes to lower rates of infant mortality, higher breastfeeding rates, and increased overall health for families.
Economic benefits are another focus of the legislation. Research indicates that paid leave policies in other states have improved workforce retention, reduced turnover costs, and supported long-term labor force participation, particularly for women and lower-income workers. The University of Michigan study also notes that paid leave programs can address racial and gender inequities, as women of color disproportionately face caregiving responsibilities and workplace barriers.
The bills now move to the full Senate for consideration, with proponents emphasizing the potential for paid leave to strengthen Michigan’s workforce and economy while providing critical support to families during significant life events.