We have seen an increased push for more paid leave that could help take care of a newborn or deal with a sickness.

Advocates at the state Capitol Wednesday called on lawmakers to pass legislation that would improve access to paid family and medical leave for New York workers.

“Under New York state's current paid leave programs, workers who must take time off for chronic diseases like, but not limited to, cancer, can be fired for simply having to take time off for their treatment without any recourse," said Michael Davoli, New York senior government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. 

What You Need To Know

  • Advocates called on lawmakers at the state Capitol Wednesday to pass legislation that would improve access to paid family and medical leave

  • New York state does require employers to provide disability benefits coverage to employees through the Temporary Disability Insurance Program, but the maximum benefit is $170 per week, which advocates say is insufficient

  • As lawmakers are working to pass the next state budget, advocates want this reform included

That’s exactly what happened to Stacey Betler.

“I was diagnosed with cancer 17 years ago. I had to tell my employers that I wouldn't be able to come back to work. And they basically told me if I wasn't back in six months that my job would be terminated," said Betler, a cancer survivor.

New York state does require employers to provide disability benefits coverage to employees through the Temporary Disability Insurance Program, but the maximum benefit is $170 per week, which advocates say is not enough.

“No one, no cancer patient, no one battling chronic disease should ever have to choose between working full-time or part-time to put food on their table, or taking time off for their treatment," Davoli said. 

As lawmakers work to pass the next state budget, advocates want this reform included.

“We need these bills passed so that never happens to another person in New York state," Betler said.