With new year, more Vermonters eligible for paid sock leave

More Vermont workers are starting off 2017 accruing paid sick leave that they can use when they fall ill or need time off to tend to sick family members or other emergencies.

Vermont's new paid sick leave law took effect Sunday with the new year.

The law is expected to benefit about 60,000 Vermont workers who do not have access to paid sick leave through their work.

The law requires employers to provide a minimum of three paid sick days in a 12-month period for full-time employees. In 2019, the law will jump to five days.

Proponents argue that the law will be of greatest benefit to lower-paid workers who don't get sick leave.

But small-business advocates have argued it will be another government-mandated burden.