Extra sick time for some veterans

State-employed veterans who suffer from a service-related disability might be able to apply for extra sick leave in some circumstances, under a bill approved by a House committee.

Rep. Roger Reinert (DFL-Duluth) sponsors HF938 that would allow state workers to apply to Minnesota Management and Budget for up to 40 hours of additional sick leave per year to receive treatment for veteran health issues.

The House State and Local Government Operations Reform, Technology and Elections Committee approved the bill March 31 and referred it to the House State Government Finance Division.

Reinert said the issue was brought to him by a veteran who lives in Duluth and has to commute to the Twin Cities for treatments. The long drives force him to use more sick time than he has available, Reinert said.

Reinert added that the issue might grow more prevalent in coming years as state employees return from military service in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“There aren’t a lot of folks right now; it could be a growing issue though,” Reinert said, adding that MMB estimates the bill’s potential cost at approximately $30,000 a year.

A companion, SF334, sponsored by Sen. Yvonne Prettner Solon (DFL-Duluth), has been laid over for possible omnibus bill inclusion by the Senate State Government Budget Division.