Even local state legislators who support the concept of mandatory paid sick leave agree that the Legislature, and not San Antonio City Council, is the place to decide the issue, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
State Sen. Jose Menendez (D-San Antonio) says it's an important benefit, and access to it should not be decided by city boundaries, which means some workers will get the benefit, and others won't.
"I think it would be good for the sake of having a uniform policy, where people don't have to choose between going to work and taking care of a sick child," Menendez said.
Menendez says it is concerning that workers in the restaurant industry, for example, are coming to work sick, because they can't afford to take a day off to recover.
A lawsuit challenging the legality of an almost identical law approved by the Austin City Council earlier this year has resulted in the Austin law being blocked. The group that filed that lawsuit said it will be extended to include the San Antonio ordinance.
State Rep. Justin Rodriguez (D-San Antonio) says its time the state had one policy that benefits all low income wage earners.
"I think it makes common sense," he said. "People need that safety net to take care either of their own loved ones who are sick, or care for themselves."
Rodgiruez says the issue will be a key item the Mexican American Legislative Caucus will take up before the upcoming Legislative Session, due to the large percentage of Latino Texans who are without paid sick leave.