NEWS FROM THE NYS SENATE DEMOCRATIC CONFERENCE

For immediate Release: June 6, 2007

Contact:

Ana Tinsly: 646-331-4765
Roger L. Noyes: 518-455-2723

Senator Savino Champions Paid Family Leave Bill Critical to New York's
Working 9-to-5 Families

Senator addresses Governor, Lt. Governor and leaders of both legislative
houses during six-way meeting at the Capitol

State Senator Diane Savino (D-Staten Island/Brooklyn) today urged
passage of state legislation allowing individuals to take leave from work
for family medical reasons.

"I thank the Governor and elected leaders for their interest in
advancing this important issue. When the Federal Medical Leave Act passed a
number of years ago, it was a bold move designed to protect working
families who are dealing with a medical crisis or who have newborn
childcare needs," Savino said. "Unfortunately, even with the federal law,
many workers cannot reasonably take time off because they do not have paid
vacation or sick leave."

Savino, Ranking Democrat on the Civil Service and Pensions Committee,
was invited to speak about the issue during the Governor's public six-way
meeting of legislative leaders at the Capitol.

Savino referred to legislation proposed in the Senate allowing workers
to contribute 45 cents from their paycheck per week toward a family leave
benefit. The benefit allows employees up to 12 weeks paid leave from work
to attend to health-related matters.

Savino noted that the Federal Medical Leave Act allows time off but
without pay, placing a difficult financial hardship on those who may
consider pursuing the entitlement.

"If passed, the Senate legislation would begin to help millions working
in New York State, especially single mothers who have a low-wage job and
need the time to take care of a newborn or sick child," she said.

Savino said she was encouraged by the general agreement among lawmakers
about passing this legislation before the close of session.

Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith (D-Queens) said, "I am
encouraged by the inroads we made today with issues of great concern to New
Yorkers, including economic development, cameras in the courtroom and
prioritizing important capital improvement projects statewide, among other
matters discussed."

Savino, who represents the 23rd Senate District, is Assistant Democratic
Leader for Conference Operations.

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Roger L. Noyes
Assistant Press Secretary
NYS Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith
(518) 455-2415