Federal Managers Association
Press Release
- SENATE COMMITTEE PASSES FMA'S WOUNDED WARRIOR FEDERAL LEAVE INITIATIVE - March 4, 2015
Alexandria, VA - The Federal Managers Association (FMA) is excited to announce on Wednesday, March 4, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee unanimously passed FMA's initiative, the Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act (S. 242), which would provide 104 hours of sick leave up front to first year federal employees who qualify under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as thirty percent or more disabled due to a service-related disability. The bill, introduced by Senator Jon Tester (D-MT), is cosponsored by Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), would provide necessary leave to attend medical appointments for service-related injuries without exhausting both sick and annual leave. FMA National President Patricia Niehaus released the following statement on the bill's committee passage.
"The federal workforce is proud to be the largest employer of military veterans. These dedicated men and women often continue their service to their country within the federal workforce after their military career, unfortunately, however, many suffer from chronic and life-changing service-related injuries. As a first year federal employee starting with a zero-sum balance of sick leave, these brave men and women often find themselves struggling between available leave and attending medically necessary VA appointments. S. 242 would ensure those who qualify as thirty percent disabled or greater by the VA will receive 104 hours of sick leave to be used their first twelve months of federal service for needed medical attention. As these disabled veterans served their country on and off the battlefield, it is only right that the federal government provide this much needed leave.
"S. 242 recognizes that newly hired federal employees who are disabled veterans should not have to choose between seeking medical attention and exhausting any leave available. This bill provides vital leave the nations's wounded warriors need to address their disabilities, while continuing to meet their duties on the job. The federal government has long strived to be a model employer. By recognizing the needs of federal employees, S. 242 steps towards this goal.
"FMA is grateful for the bipartisan efforts of Senators Tester and Moran, and for their dedication to the federal workforce and its disabled veterans. We look forward to S. 242 advancing through the Senate. The House Oversight and Government Affairs Committee already passed the companion, H.R. 313, in January, and FMA will continue to work with members of the House of Representatives to move the bill to a full House vote. We are also very grateful to Renee Johnson, Region 2 Director, and all of our members at Chapter 21, Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station, who brought this issue to our attention. They exemplify the mission of our Association - to advocate excellence in public service. The Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act will ensure that federal agencies and departments' missions and goals will be met while treating our disabled veteran first year federal employees with the treatment they deserve."