You don't have to look far to understand why Washington needs family leave insurance ("Hard-working citizens taxed toward serfdom," March 28).

A young mother from Auburn was saving her vacation and sick leave to use after she gave birth. But she discovered how even prudent planning can be undone. Her son arrived prematurely on a Thursday and in need of intense medical care-and she had to return to work on Monday. Then she spent every evening driving to Seattle to spend a few precious hours with her infant at Children's Hospital, her heart aching that she couldn't stay with her tiny son.

"If I could have had even $250 a week of replacement wages, I could have been with my baby during this critical time," she testified to the Senate Labor, Commerce, Research & Development Committee last month.

Eighty-five percent of dozens of Western Washington small business owners surveyed last year said they support family leave insurance. They know that it's a win-win. Employees have a job to return to when a new baby or medical crisis calls them home or to the hospital. Employers don't have to shoulder the costs of turnover and training.

Lost in all the alarms by Mr. Nichols are three points:

Workers pay the premium-employers and taxpayers don't pay a dime.

Small businesses could get a tax credit.

Small businesses with fewer than 25 employees would not have to keep the job open.

Employees tell me that the 2 cent-an-hour premium is well worth the peace of mind. I can't imagine having to choose between going to work and spending time with a newborn or days in the critical care unit with a spouse or elderly parent. And I can't imagine choosing between paying the rent or taking unpaid leave and letting the bills get out of control.

No one should have to make that kind of no-win choice.

Sen. Karen Keiser,

D-Des Moines