Sick Leave Bill Would Help Caregivers

Content Provided by AARP Illinois

Both chambers of the General Assembly have passed a bill that would allow workers who are also family caregivers to use up to six months of accrued sick leave annually to care for their loved ones. AARP Illinois supports the bill and is urging Gov. Bruce Rauner (R) to sign it into law.

About 1.6 million Illinoisans are family caregivers, and about 60 percent of caregivers nationwide also work outside the home. Among Illinois workers, 56 percent have some paid sick leave, but can use it only for personal illness or to care for a child or spouse, not to tend to the needs of an aging parent or parent-in-law.

Last year, 38 percent of U.S. caregivers polled by AARP said they considered their situation to be highly stressful.

"This legislation would offer caregivers some much-needed relief," said Lori Hendren, AARP associate state director for advocacy and outreach. To urge the governor to sign the bill (HB 6162), call his Springfield office at 217-782-0244.