Albany legislators should pass the Paid Family Leave Insurance Act to assist families juggling work and home responsibilities

Kris Connor for New York Daily News New York Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy speaks on behalf of working fathers at a White House event earlier this month

We all remember the uproar when New York Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy decided to miss the first two games of the baseball season for the birth of his child earlier this year.

Though he faced taunts and disapproval from sports commentators, the vast majority of New Yorkers applauded him for bringing attention to an issue that affects all of us - the need to be there for our families at critical life moments.

Murphy was invited by President Obama himself to visit the White House last week, and speak on behalf of working fathers.

As New Yorkers, we should be proud of Murphy and his national recognition. And in honor of all working fathers and mothers, we must pass a legislative proposal before the New York State Senate that will provide paid family leave to workers across the state.

This is a bill that will offer desperately needed assistance to families who are juggling responsibilities on both the workfront and the homefront - without placing significant financial burdens on small businesses.

Whether it's a matter of a father taking paternity leave like Murphy, a parent looking after a seriously ill child, or a daughter caring for a parent with cancer, the ability to take paid leave is a necessity for New Yorkers.

Kris Connor for New York Daily News New York Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy's with wife Tori Ahem and son Noah Murphy attend a White House event for Working Fathers earlier this month

The problem is that although Murphy's employer provides him with paid paternity leave, it's out of reach for so many who can't afford to take the time off they need.

That's why my colleagues and I have sponsored legislation that would provide paid family leave for all New Yorkers, called the Paid Family Leave Insurance Act. The bill has already passed in the Assembly, and we are urging the governor and our colleagues in the Senate to lend their support and pass the bill this session.

Before you ask ? no, paid family leave insurance won't place an undue burden on small businesses.

The program will be funded through small employee payroll deductions that will rise to about 88 cents a week over four years.

The law won't create a new administrative requirement - it will just expand the existing Temporary Disability Insurance program, already supported by employers and workers, with a small increase in premiums.

Joseph Addabbo

Only 12% of all private sector workers have paid family leave - dropping to 5% for workers in the bottom fourth of wage-earners.

The federal Family and Medical Leave Act does offer some help, providing a right to up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave. Unfortunately, its coverage is limited, and 40% of the workforce is left out. Even those who do qualify for coverage under the Family and Medical Leave Act often can't afford to take it because it's unpaid.

It doesn't have to be this way. The Paid Family Leave Insurance Act will provide workers in New York State with up to 12 weeks of paid leave a year to care for a new child or a seriously ill family member.

This would bring greater financial stability to tens of thousands of New Yorkers and their families each year, at no cost to the state.

As our President honored Daniel Murphy, we should honor him, and all working individuals as well, by passing the Paid Family Leave Insurance Act right away.

Joseph Addabbo is a state Senator who lives in Ozone Park and represents the neighborhoods of south Queens.