WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Paralyzed Veterans of America voiced strong support on January 27, 2015, for the bipartisan “Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act,” introduced by Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass) in the House and Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) in the Senate.
The bill, which was passed by the House Oversight and Government Reform committee, would allow service-disabled veterans who become federal employees to accumulate paid sick leave during treatment. The Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act would credit veterans with 104 hours starting out to make up for the accelerated rate of sick leave these veterans use to receive treatment for service-incurred disabilities, when compared with non-veteran federal employees. The bill is now scheduled for a full House vote. If successfully passed, it will go to the senate for consideration.
“Paralyzed Veterans of America has long sought to level the playing field for veterans with disabling conditions who work, which most often involves removing disability as a barrier to substantive employment,” said Sherman Gillums, deputy executive director of Paralyzed Veterans of America and director of the PAVE Program (Paving Access for Veterans Employment). “This bill, if passed by Congress, will allow veterans who are in transition or may be awaiting a VA disability rating to start a good career while receiving regular medical care and treatment without penalty. Presently, newly hired veterans must be placed in ‘leave without pay’ status to keep appointments. But working a job versus receiving treatment for service-incurred conditions should not be an either-or proposition for those who’ve served."
“Paralyzed Veterans now calls on the House of Representatives to immediately consider and pass the ‘Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act’. We also call on the Senate to quickly take up and pass the companion bill--S. 242.”
About Paralyzed Veterans of America:
Paralyzed Veterans of America is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease. For nearly 70 years, we have ensured that veterans have received the benefits earned through their service to our nation; monitored their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funded research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.
As a partner for life, Paralyzed Veterans also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation and advocates for veterans and all people with disabilities. With more than 70 offices and 34 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans serves veterans, their families and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. (www.pva.org)
