The state assembly passed a one-house bill that would provide up to 12 weeks of paid time off, funded though payroll deductions that would cost employees 45 cents per week, according to Addie J. Russell D-Theresa.

A similar bill has not been proposed in the senate, which would need to approve the plan in order for it to become law.

“Families grow, emergencies happen, sicknesses occur and those we love must come first,” Russell said in a prepared statement. “Too many hard-working New Yorkers cannot afford to take unpaid leave. This measure would let workers attend to personal responsibilities, while mitigating financial stress, by drawing on this insurance program.”

According to Russell, some workers are already guaranteed unpaid leave by the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, but many cannot afford to forego their paychecks.

She says that almost half of workers do not take time off when they need it, due to financial reasons.

This legislation would help workers with basic expenses during times of family or personal emergency, she says, adding that currently, only about 12 percent of private-sector employees – including just 5 percent of the lowest-paid – can access paid leave.

The Assembly’s bill would require businesses to offer this benefit to all workers, who would contribute up to 45 cents each week.

This expense would guarantee two-thirds of an employee’s salary and job security during as many as 12 weeks of leave.

Similar programs have had long-term positive effects on income and security, especially for women, according to Russell.

Russell says the measure would also benefit businesses and the state’s economy as a whole by “reducing turnover, growing the workforce and making employees happier and more productive.”

“This bill is critical for families, children and the growing number of adults who care for their aging parents,” Russell said. “I will do everything I can to increase opportunity and help make sure paid family leave becomes accessible for workers across the state.”

The measure is likely to face opposition in the Senate, but is in line with calls made by Gov. Andrew Cuomo during his ‘State of the State’ speech.