IL State Senator advances measure for extended leave for parents

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — An Illinois State Senator advanced a measure to protect leave for workers whose newborns need intensive care after birth.

Under Senator Bill Cunningham’s measure, employees of companies between 16-50 workers would be eligible for a maximum of 10 days of unpaid leave while their baby is in a NICU, while those working for companies with 51 or more employees would be eligible for up to 20 days.

This leave would be on top of the protections under the Family and Medical Leave Act and ensures continued health insurance coverage and job protection throughout the entire leave period.

“Parents shouldn’t have to choose between keeping their job and sitting by their baby’s side in the NICU,” Cunningham said. “This measure provides working people the breathing room they need during a medical crisis.”

Cunningham is a Democrat who represents parts of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. His nephew was born prematurely and was placed in the NICU for months.

“No parent should face punishment for doing what’s right for their child’s health,” Cunningham said.

House Bill 2978 passed the Senate Executive Committee on Wednesday.