Committee unanimously approves bill from Daughtry, Cloutier to extend work of Paid Family and Medical Leave Commission

AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, the Legislature’s Labor and Housing Committee approved a bill from Sen. Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick, and Rep. Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, to extend the work of the Commission To Develop a Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Program. LD 1952, “Resolve, To Extend the Commission To Develop a Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Program,” received unanimous vote of approval from members present.  

“Maine needs a paid family and medical leave policy. This is an issue I’ve been fighting for since I first came to the State House. That’s why it was so gratifying that when this commission’s work started, we found we all agreed on so much. We agree that a paid family and medical leave policy should benefit all Mainers, and it absolutely must be sustainable,” said Sen. Daughtry. “Getting this right is vital, but it’s going to take more time than we’d originally planned. I thank the Labor and Housing Committee for continuing to support this important work.”

“It is so important that we develop a Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Program that will hold up through the years,” said Rep. Cloutier. “Individuals and families in Maine need a system they can rely on — one that will give them the ability to take time off work when children need care, family members get sick or accidents happen. With more time to work on this proposal, I am hopeful we can create a program that is equitable and long-lasting.”

LD 1952 would extend the due date for the commission’s final report to Nov. 2, 2022. It also carried forward funds set aside for the commission’s work.

The commission was formed by LD 1559, “Resolve, To Create the Commission To Develop a Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Program,” which was sponsored by Sen. Daughtry and co-sponsored by Rep. Cloutier. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commission began meeting later than intended. Additionally, once the commission began meeting, it became clear to all members that designing a paid family and medical leave program for the whole state, including conducting an actuarial study, would take longer than was planned originally in LD 1559.

The commission includes legislators; small and large business owners; and experts in labor, family and medical leave policies, hospitality industries, elder care and maternity care. The outline for the commission membership can be found here; Sen. Daughtry and Rep. Cloutier serve as co-chairs. 

Only 15 percent of American workers have access to any sort of paid leave, and fewer than 60 percent of the workforce has access to unpaid leave under the Family Medical Leave Act. Nationally, one in four women takes fewer than 11 days of parental leave after giving birth despite a recommended six- to eight-week recovery period. 

The Maine Chamber of Commerce testified in favor of LD 1952.

LD 1952 now faces votes in the Senate and House.