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Memorial for Timothy Brenton
November 6. 2009 (17 photos)
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WEEK IN REVIEW
Saturday
More snow expected at mountain passes
Suspect identified in Seattle police killing
Thousands honor slain Seattle police officer Ti...
Friday


Officer Timothy Brenton. Gone, but not forgotten
Person sought in officer's killing is shot in head
Thousands to pay respects to slain Seattle poli...
Thursday


Tale of 1916 Everett Massacre retold in style o...
Reservist survived Iraq but not his return to c...
Swine flu suspected in infant’s death
Wednesday


‘Everything but marriage' law close to vi...
Library levy winning by 51% to 49%
Incumbents looking strong in Snohomish County C...
Tuesday


Delayed financial aid forcing college students ...
Slaying of officer reminds police of dangers of...
Edmonds turns over firefighting duties to Fire ...
Monday


Question isn't 'if' but 'how bad' for floods
Slain Seattle Police officer lived in Marysville
Rubatino Refuse allows recycling of food scraps...
Sunday


Signs were clear Boeing isn't tied to location
Swine flu shots draw crowds in Snohomish County
The Boeing buzz in South Carolina
 

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CONTACT THE HERALD
Robert Frank, City Editor
frank@heraldnet.com
 
Published: Monday, February 25, 2008

Sen. Hobbs' bill calls for 15-day leave for military spouses

OLYMPIA -- State Sen. Steve Hobbs is pushing a bill to create family leave for spouses of military personnel on active duty.

The bill would require employers to provide military spouses with up to 15 days of unpaid leave of absence -- in addition to any vacation or sick leave -- during the time their spouses in combat are home for a break.

"Soldiers need to spend time with their families to recharge their batteries. That way, they are more focused when they go back (to combat)," said Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens.

With the current war, protecting Washington's soldiers is especially important, Hobbs said.

"These men and women are serving freedom and democracy," he said. "It's only fair to make sure they get to spend time with their families."

Military members deployed for active duty for more than 12 months get a two-week break, Hobbs said. Spouses are not always able to get time off during that period.

"It's very sad that there are actual employers that would do that. It could be the last time (military spouses) see their loved ones," Hobbs said.

The bill, which would also provide employer-retaliation protections, is scheduled for a public hearing the House Committee on Commerce and Labor on Tuesday.

"During the period when (soldiers) get a little break, I don't think it's too much to ask that their family members get time off work. I think it's a fundamental issue of fairness," said Sen. Eric Oemig, D-Kirkland, who heard the bill earlier in a Senate committee.

While some businesses may potentially have a financial concern if this bill is enacted, Oemig said he isn't "terribly sympathetic" of that. "Sometimes we have to make some sacrifices," he said.

Washington, where no one has opposed the legislation so far, wouldn't be the first state to grant military spouses family leave. Similar laws exist in seven other states, including California and New York.

After spending time in Ko­so­vo and Iraq, Hobbs, 38, continues to serve in the Army National Guard. He said he knows how important it is for soldiers to be with their families.

"You come home, sit down and realize that you have a loving wife or husband and that's what matters," he said.

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6. PREP FOOTBALL/SWIMMING ROUNDUP: Halfback pass for touchdown sparks Sultan win
7. More jibba-jabba
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