Leave OK’d for bone-marrow, organ donors Gov. George Pataki signed a bill last month to allow state employees to take up to seven days of paid leave when they donate bone marrow, and up to 30 days of paid leave if they donate an organ, such as a kidney. This leave is in addition to any other these employees are entitled to under the present benefit policies or Civil Service Law. The new law is effective immediately. Another bill — S4401/A8345, which would increase to $20,000 the maximum retired public employees can earn in public service annually without decreasing their pension — also has been sent to the governor for his signature. — Sherry Halbrook The Communicator Home Page