Governor Says She Will Sign Law to Provide 12 Weeks Paid Leave for Maine Workers

Governor Janet Mills announced on Thursday morning that she will sign the bipartisan budget agreement that will create a new statewide paid family and medical leave program in Maine.  Under the new program workers will receive up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave.

“Is this bill perfect? No,” Governor Mills wrote in an op-ed. “But no compromise legislation ever is. With the changes adopted by the Legislature, however, I believe the bill strikes a balance that guarantees the benefits for working families in a way that is financially stable over the long term while avoiding significant hardship on the co-employees, employers, customers, and clients who depend on continuity and stability in our workforce and economy.”
 

The program would be funded by a 1 percent payroll tax split between employees and employers. Employers with 15 or fewer workers would not have to pay the contribution, but their employees would still be eligible. Employers who offer comparable or more comprehensive paid leave plans may opt out.

Once an employee hits a certain contribution benchmark, they would be able to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave each year for qualifying life events. If the worker has been with their employer for at least 120 days, their job would be protected until they returned from leave.