Leaders adjusting sick leave for Capitol staff to combat H1N1

Leaders in the Minnesota House and Senate are adjusting sick leave policies for staffers to prepare for a potential flu outbreak.

The changes allows for negative sick leave balances or additional sick days if needed. DFL House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher says the new policy is meant to protect public health, particularly when the Legislature is in session.

"People around the Legislature come in contact with a lot of the general public," Kelliher said. "So any way we can do our part to not spread the incidence of H1N1 or any other pandemic flu try episode, we want to do that."

Kelliher says she would be flattered if the policy serves as a model for other employers. Legislators return to the Capitol for the 2010 session in February.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.