SAN ANTONIO — A push for city-wide paid sick time could affect local businesses.

In a meeting Wednesday, San Antonio City Council took community input on a proposed paid sick leave ordinance. The discussion comes after an alliance of community groups worked to get 144,000 signatures in support of the ordinance.

As written, the petition would force private sector employers to give paid sick leave to their workers.

Critics of the petition, many of them small business owners, have concerns over how this will impact their businesses. Advocates say they are missing the bigger picture.

"A policy like this really does substantially impact the ability of parents to do the things they have to do as parents. It's really about letting people being people. Let's not forget not everyone is just a worker and not everyone is just a part of a bottom line," Alex Birnel of Move Texas said.

Council members are expected to vote on whether the proposal will make the November ballot on Aug. 16.