Federal Managers Association
Washington Report
- WOUNDED WARRIORS FEDERAL LEAVE ACT SIGNED INTO LAW
The Federal Managers Association (FMA) has long supported the need to promote the federal government as a model employer. For the past two years since FMA proposed the bill, the offices of Representative Stephen Lynch (D-MA) and Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) supported the Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act (P.L. 114-75). President Barack Obama signed the legislation into law on Thursday, November 5, providing 104 hours of sick leave for first year federal employees who qualify under the Department of Veterans Affairs as thirty percent or more disabled. The bill, originally introduced by Representative Lynch 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 Tester (D-MT) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced similar legislation, which gained unanimous support in the Senate.
In a press release, FMA National President Patricia Niehaus commented, “As first year federal employees begin their federal career with a zero-sum balance of sick leave, disabled veterans often find themselves struggling between available leave and attending medically necessary VA appointments.” She went on to state, “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.”
Representative Lynch commented on the passage, “This law will provide medical leave for returning disabled veterans who now work as federal employees, enabling them to receive treatment while transitioning into civilian life. As we approach Veterans Day, Congress has demonstrated the gratitude and deep appreciation for the hardship and sacrifices of our veterans and, in particular our wounded warriors, in service to our country.” To read the press release from FMA, please visit the FMA website, www.fedmanagers.org. For more information on P.L. 114-75, please visit: http://congress.gov.