By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
A phone call from a Bowling Green woman resulted in one sentence inserted in the state budget bill that could make a difference for many Ohio residents.
On Wednesday, State Senator Randy Gardner, R-Bowling Green, stood up in chambers and read off an amendment, which he dubbed the “Faith Olson amendment.” The change is one paragraph in a more than 4,000-page budget bill.
“Still in this big state, one person can make a difference,” Gardner said from the floor.
Olson, a Bowling Green State University employee since 1978, reached out to Gardner about employees at state universities not being eligible for a paid leave donation program. Previously, state university employees could save up their unused sick time, and put it in a “bank,” where other employees could use the time in case of critical or chronic illnesses.
Gardner met with Olson, fiscal officer for the BGSU College of Education and Human Development, at Frisch’s on North Main Street to discuss her concerns over breakfast.
Olson explained that under an interpretation from Attorney General Mike DeWine, the unused sick time could no longer be donated to fellow state university employees in need.
DeWine’s unofficial opinion stated that unless the program was in a union contract, or involved faculty, that the paid leave could not be given to others with chronic illnesses.
That troubled Olson. “There were people still in need,” she said. So she reached out to Gardner, who she felt has been supportive of higher education issues. “I think it’s a valid request,” Olson said.
So did Gardner, who decided to put an amendment in the budget bill that would again allow employees to donate sick time. “This sounded like a reasonable amendment for the budget,” he said after hearing Olson’s concerns.
The only difference is that now rather than having a “leave bank,” the time can be given directly to someone in need, Olson said.
Gardner touched base with BGSU President Mary Ellen Mazey, Chief Financial Officer Sheri Stoll and Provost Rodney Rogers, to discuss the amendment. They welcomed the idea, Gardner said.
The change is permissive, so universities only participate if they wish.
“Because of Faith Olson,” employees will be able to donate their sick leave to those in need, Gardner said. “You have made a difference.”
