Colorado lawmakers consider ambitious family leave bill

Colorado lawmakers are considering an ambitious paid family leave bill that’s opposed by many major business chambers.

The Senate Finance Committee considers possible amendments to the bill Tuesday.

The legislation would create a state-run paid family and medical leave program so employees can care for newborns, for themselves and for others in medical and other emergencies without worrying about their jobs.

Its Senate sponsors are Angela Williams and Faith Winter. They insist it’s a vital initiative in a 2019 Legislative session in which majority Democrats and first-term Gov. Jared Polis are prioritizing a broad range of health issues.

Business chambers say small companies should be exempted from the program, which would require employer and employee contributions.