LANSING – State Representative Gino H. Polidori (D-Dearborn) on Tuesday voted for a plan that protects the families of Michigan servicemembers killed while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan by requiring employers to provide a brief period of paid bereavement leave for a spouse, parent or child of a servicemember killed on active duty. "Charlie's Bill" passed the House by a vote of 105 to 1; it now heads to the Senate.
"Our military families face special challenges when making arrangements for a fallen servicemember," Polidori said. "Due to the nature of war, military families often don't know when their loved one's remains will be returned to them. During this trying time, the least we can do to honor the memory of those who gave their lives defending our country is ensure that their loved ones don't have to worry about their jobs being in jeopardy."
"Charlie's Bill" is named in honor of U.S. Army Sgt. Charles "Charlie" Drier of Tuscola County, who was killed during combat in Iraq in May 2005. He was 28. The plan requires employers to grant paid bereavement leave of up to 10 days or 80 hours. It also prohibits an employer from firing or punishing any employee who requests or takes the leave.
"Losing a loved one to war is devastating," Polidori said. "Giving our military families support during their time of need is the right thing to do. I commend my fellow lawmakers on both sides of the aisle for approving this measure, and I urge my colleagues in the Senate to move quickly to approve 'Charlie's Bill.'"