Why is paid sick leave [a bill supported by Make the Road NY] coming back as a political issue after being declared DOA by City Council Speaker Christine Quinn? Union insiders say part of the reason is that the political calendar is getting closer to New York City mayor’s race – and paid sick leave could well become a litmus test issue. Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer highlighted it his State of the Borough address, while the New York Times’ recent story about Quinn’s close ties with lobbyist Emily Giske noted that Giske represents the parent company of Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell. Giske’s firm, Bolton St. John, lobbied against the bill on behalf of Yum Brands, which could give opponents an opening to attack Quinn for shelving it. With more attention again being paid to the issue, supporters held a press conference yesterday to tout a study saying the city would save $28 million annually in emergency room costs if there were mandatory paid sick leave.

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