The state Assembly passed the Paid Family Leave Act Tuesday night, which would allow workers to take paid time off to care for family members.

The proposal would allow employees to take 12 weeks off from work with partial pay to care for family members, bond with a new child or deal with issues stemming from a relative's military service.

The Assembly has passed similar bills four times, but they stalled in the Senate.

State Sen. Jeff Klein (D - The Bronx) says his act would allow employees to receive about two-thirds of their weekly wages while they're on leave. He says all employees would also have to help pay for that coverage, totaling about $35 a year.

Some critics question whether employees would abuse the act by taking 12 weeks off year after year.

Sen. Klein says he hopes to make the Paid Family Leave Act part of this year's budget.