California is a step closer to requiring employers to provide paid sick leave. A bill to mandate sick time was approved by a key Assembly committee Wednesday.
Democratic Assemblywoman Fiona Ma authored the bill. She says the measure is a public health issue, but also an economic one:
"Companies also benefit from less turnover, increased morale and productivity and also keeping health care costs - especially if companies are reducing health care for their employees," she says.
Under the bill, employees of large companies could earn up to nine days of paid sick time per year. Employees of companies with fewer than 10 workers could earn up to five days.
The National Federation of Independent Business says the mandate would significantly drive up the cost of operating a business... and force employers to cut jobs.
