High Court Hears Lawsuit on State Workers’ Medical Leave

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case involving state workers' right to sue over medical leave. The lawsuit, which a Maryland state employee filed under the Family and Medical Leave Act, alleges that the employee was improperly fired in 2007 for taking a 10-day medical leave to manage his high blood pressure and diabetes. Maryland is one of 27 states arguing that they are protected from such suits that could hurt states' finances. Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.), who was involved in drafting the Family and Medical Leave Act, recently signed on to an amicus brief stating that the high court should not strike down state workers' right to sue under the law.

• "Supreme Court Wrestles With Medical Leave Case" (Gresko, AP/Miami Herald, 1/11).
• "Democrats Urge High Court To Uphold State Workers' Right To Sue Over Medical Leave" (Pecquet, "Healthwatch," The Hill, 1/11).