Federal Managers Association
Press Release
- FMA'S WOUNDED WARRIORS FEDERAL LEAVE INITIATIVE NOW LAW - November 9, 2015
Alexandria, VA - The Federal Managers Association (FMA) is proud to announce on Thursday, November 5, President Barack Obama signed into law the Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act (P.L. 114-75). This FMA home-grown initiative will 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 law, originally introduced by Representative Stephen Lynch (D-MA) and cosponsored by Representative Blake Farenthold (R-TX), provides necessary leave to attend medical appointments for service-related injuries without exhausting both sick and annual leave. Senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced similar legislation, which gained unanimous support in the Senate. FMA National President Patricia Niehaus released the following statement on the bill's passage in the Senate.
"The federal workforce is proud to be the largest employer of military veterans. After a military career, these dedicated men and women often continue their service to their country within the federal workforce. However, there are those who unfortunately suffer from chronic medical conditions caused by a military service-related injury. As first year federal employees begin their federal career with a zero-sum balance of sick leave, these courageous men and women often find themselves struggling between available leave and attending medically necessary VA appointments. P.L. 114-77 ensures those who qualify as thirty percent disabled or greater by the VA will receive 104 hours of sick leave to be used within their first twelve months of federal service for needed medical attention. As the federal government continues to strive to be a model employer, the Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act will provide the care these veterans need and deserve while ensuring federal departments' and agencies' missions and goals will be met.
"I would like to thank President Obama for recognizing the invaluable services these veterans provide the federal government. These brave men and women gave a tremendous sacrifice to the nation and they choose to continue to serve their country; they should not have to choose between seeking necessary medical attention and exhausting leave. As we approach Veterans Day, I am grateful that the federal government is meeting the needs of these wounded warriors, whose lives will be positively impacted by this legislation.
"FMA would like to sincerely thank Representative Lynch and Senator Tester, as well as Representative Farenthold and Senator Moran, for their dedication to the federal workforce and its disabled veterans. I am also very grateful to Renee Johnson, FMA's Region 2 Director; Sue Thatch, Chapter 21 Vice President; 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."