paid family leave

When it takes effect a little less than two years from now, workers will be able to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave a year, to care for a sick family member or bond with a newborn, an adopted child or a foster child.

Gov. Janet Mills has signed a budget bill that makes substantial additional investments in housing programs, child care and a new paid family and medical leave program.

Democratic Gov. Janet Mills will likely be forced to choose between allowing a paid family leave bill to become law or risk a statewide referendum on the issue next year, financed by progressive megadonors.

The proposal would allow employees to take up to 12 weeks of leave after the birth of a baby, to care for an adopted or foster child, or if they or a loved on has a serious health condition. Victims of sexual assault or domestic violence could also take leave.

There were a few hot topics that the governor did not mention despite her potentially pivotal role in the policy outcomes.

In this week's Pulse: the debate on paid family leave, Mills to address the state next week, Penobscots ‘open for business’ as Biden emphasizes American-made, and aballot battle update.

A coalition of groups is calling on Maine to enact a family and medical leave policy guaranteeing workers paid time off to care for loved ones or themselves.

Paid family leave advocates delivered a petition with 1,200 signatures to the governor and legislative leaders on Wednesday.

The Maine Commission to Establish a Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Program is currently exploring a potential policy for the state.

The proposal, from Democratic Sen. Mattie Daughtry, called for a commission that will hear from workers, employers, caregivers and others before proposing a statewide family leave system for Maine. The commission is expected to provide recommendations by January 2022.