AARP Strongly Opposes Measure To Prevent Key Caregiving Law From Going Into Effect

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Nov. 30, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "Countless working caregivers in Illinois struggle every day to keep their jobs while at the same time providing care their loved ones need. Working caregivers need support. That's why the ELECT Act, signed into law by Governor Rauner and going into effect on January 1, 2017, would give them flexibility at work so they can perform their labor of love for a sick parent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, or child.

However, State Representative Peter Breen (R-48), is pushing Senate Bill 2799, seeking to delay implementation of the law by six months, and in turn delaying much needed help for hard-working caregivers – a tactic driven by business associations that opposed the ELECT Act.

The ELECT Act is a compassionate, common-sense law that will provide urgently needed help to working caregivers by allowing them to use half of their annually accrued existing personal sick leave benefits to care for their loved ones.

Working caregivers make tough choices in order to take care of a sick parent, spouse, child, or sibling. They often have to cut hours, or quit work altogether. The ELECT Act provides them with the support they need at work, while it also helps businesses increase productivity by using flexibility to retain their workforce.

We are disappointed in the negative message Rep. Breen is sending to millions of Illinoisans. As one of the main proponents of the law, AARP on behalf of our 1.7 million Illinois members and the 50+ population, urges legislators to use common sense and sensitivity, and act on behalf of working caregivers and their loved ones to swiftly defeat SB 2799."

SOURCE AARP Illinois

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