Mandatory paid time off: 'a strain' for Illinois business

CHICAGO (AP) — Doug Knight's family has owned Springfield amusement park Knight's Action Park since 1930, and himself for 43 of those years.

The pandemic was a bear — Knight fought to keep his doors open, and when they closed for COVID-19, he pushed to reopen as soon as possible. Inflation, too, has been an obstacle. From inflatable inner tubes to chlorine for the pools, prices have risen for "everything we buy," and now a new Illinois law represents "another bump on the road" for business owners, he says.

On Monday, Illinois became one of three U.S. states to mandate paid time off "for any reason," up to 40 hours per year for full-time employees. Small business owners in Illinois say they know the importance of taking care of their workers, but some view the paid leave requirement as a government-imposed burden.

"When you hit the big bump and go off the cliff, what does that do for ya?" Knight said.

The legislation takes effect on Jan. 1, 2024. Employees will accrue one hour of paid leave for every 40 hours worked up to 40 hours total and can start using the time once they've worked for 90 days.

Knight and his brother, a co-owner, mainly employ seasonal employees not covered by the measure, but they will have to provide paid leave for (10) year-round workers. The veteran business owner said he isn't worried and will juggle whatever comes next, though consumers will ultimately pay the difference.