Proposal for Mandated Sick Leave Worries Small Businesses

Compassion on somebody else's dime

PORTLAND — Some argue that paid sick time is an example of government intrusion, while others says this law is needed to protect the public health

In the end, it's all about money.

Portland may join a few but growing number of cities — San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Seattle — that force all employers to provide paid sick time to employees. The City Council is expected to consider the proposal in a couple of months.

Even though the proposal is still being drafted, it has set off alarm bells with the state's small business advocacy group.