HARTFORD, Conn. - A proposed controversial bill to allow workers in Connecticut to earn up to five paid sick days a year is working its way through the General Assembly, clearing its first committee hurdle Tuesday. Some employers say it would push businesses out of the state, while advocates say it's a critical public health measure and only fair. Sen. Edith Prague, (D-19th district) is the bill's main sponsor. She believes swine flu could help push the legislation over the finish line because so many workers or their family members fought the flu last year.

Ana Ocana, who has worked 17 years as a custodian for a Hartford company, supports the legislation because she has never had a paid sick day. Her 16-year-old daughter recently got the flu.

"I stayed for two weeks at home with no pay, and that's not good for me, because I don't have money to pay my bills."

Ocana is member of Local 32BJ/SEIU, which represents 4,500 workers in Connecticut, some of whom don't have paid sick days. The union strongly supports the bill, says staffer Matthew Painter.

"Workers shouldn't have to choose between their health and their jobs, or their health and being able to have a roof over their heads and put food on their tables."

The bill would apply to businesses with 50 or more employees.