In order to work on private re-election campaigns, many legislative aides will take leaves of absence this summer, which some critics have charged as inappropriate.

While the aides will not be paid for their time away from work, the state will continue to pay for health insurance premiums for up to five months. Although health benefits are applied during a leave of absence, other benefits — such as pension contributions — are suspended.

Critics of the law, such as Common Cause in Wisconsin Executive Director Jay Heck, believe the state should not be responsible to provide aides with health benefits while working on private campaigns.

"If aides want to take time off to work on campaigns, that's fine," Heck said. "But they should be paid by the campaigns, not the state."

According to Heck, the problem lies with state employees who are working on state time — and being paid with state money — to work on private campaigns.

The problem could be easily fixed if the campaigns would reimburse the state for the cost of the insurance premiums, Heck added.

But Todd Allbaugh, spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader Dale Schultz, R-Richland Center, defended the policy, emphasizing it does not specifically exempt aides.

State Ethics Board Executive Director Roth Judd agreed, saying the law applies to all state employees, not just legislative workers.

The policy is set in place for any type of a leave taken, including if aides choose to work on a private re-election campaign, Judd added.

"When people are on a leave of absence, for whatever reason, they can purchase three additional months [of insurance]," he said, referring to the insurance premium fees paid by employees. "This is not specific to legislative aides, but protocol that is in place for all state government employees."

Despite charges that the law irresponsibly funds activities unrelated to state duties, some say the policy also encourages the state to save money during slow times of the year by allowing employees to take leave.

Additionally, Judd said the Ethics Board has identified the policy as an issue worthy of further attention.