Some Republican Michigan lawmakers are seeking to ban local governments from putting in place paid sick leave mandates.
Legislation in the Republican-controlled state House and Senate would prohibit counties, townships and cities from adopting a policy that requires employers to provide paid or unpaid leave not required under federal or state law.
Republican Representative Earl Poleski of Jackson sponsors one bill. He says no Michigan cities are considering such policies but says it's necessary to put rules in place in advance.
City councils in New York and Portland, Ore., recently approved sick leave mandates.
Danielle Atkinson is director of Mothering Justice, and she says without paid sick leave "mothers have to make the decision whether they are going to ... make rent or get everyone sick at work."