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State Lawmakers Consider Paid Family Leave

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NEW YORK (AP) New York may soon join California, Rhode Island and New Jersey by allowing workers to take paid time off to care for a new child or sick loved one.

Supporters have pushed for years to pass a paid family leave bill with little success.

But this year it's got the support of Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Polls show broad support even among Republicans.

The bill that passed the Democratic-led Assembly this month would grant up to 12 weeks of leave. The system would be funded by a payroll deduction of less than $1 a week, and the benefit would be capped based on average state wages.

Business groups say the proposal could be a burden on employers forced to hire temporary workers.

Senate leaders say the bill remains under consideration.

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