July 21, 2008
GOVERNOR’S OFFICE SEEKS ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM INTERESTED PARTIES ON BILL TO EXPAND LEAVE FOR PROSTATE AND BREAST CANCER SCREENINGS
Governor David A. Paterson issued a call today for additional public input regarding the ramifications of S.8077/A.10035-A, a bill that would clarify state law to explicitly state that certain government employees are entitled to up to four hours of paid leave for prostate and breast cancer screenings.
The question of whether this leave should be paid has been the subject of several lawsuits. Some employers have expressed concerns about the additional costs that would result from approval of the bill, while others have cited the health benefits of allowing more employees to receive cancer screening.
The bill would extend the benefit to employees of public authorities, Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), vocational education and extension boards, community colleges, and employers who participate in the state pension system such as public libraries, fire and water districts, and some private schools. Currently, the law applies to state, county, municipal and school district employees outside of New York City.
“This bill brings two important and valid positions to the forefront. On one hand, there is a public benefit to encouraging these important procedures while on the other there is concern that the State is placing unfunded mandates on local governments in these difficult fiscal times,” said Governor Paterson. “I would like my office to obtain as much detail as possible before I act on this important piece of legislation so that I can decide how to appropriately balance these two objectives.”
The bill passed both houses at the end of the legislative session. The Governor must act on the legislation by Wednesday, July 23rd. Interested parties should contact the Governor’s Counsel’s Office at 518-474-8434 or send written comments to legislative.secretary@chamber.state.ny.us. Please use the word “screening” in the subject line.
