PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Some state lawmakers want Rhode Island to expand its paid family leave program.
They’re gathering with advocates Thursday to bring attention to a bill that would increase the amount of time a worker can take off from four weeks to six weeks in 2019, and eight weeks in 2020.
Rhode Island is one of the few states that guarantee paid time off to care for a child or a sick family member.
The bill would also make caregivers of a sibling or grandchild eligible. It would increase the amount that people who learn less than double the minimum wage can receive when claiming temporary caregiver insurance.
The effort is led by Sen. Gayle Goldin and Rep. Christopher Blazejewski, both Providence Democrats.
More than 6,200 workers used the program in 2017.
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