HARTFORD, CT—Today, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) lauded the progression of Senate Bill No. 1 through the Labor and Public Employees Committee, which would provide paid family and medical leave to workers who are new parents or have an ill family member.
“Parents shouldn’t have to return to work days after giving birth to their children. Mothers, fathers, sons and daughters shouldn’t be tasked with taking their family to doctor’s appointments and hospital visits while working full-time. This legislation relieves pressure on workers and I’m heartened to see it progress through committee,” said Sen. Haskell.
The proposed legislation would establish Paid Family Medical Leave as a program and trust fund, which would offer up to 12 weeks of family and medical leave compensation to employees with insurance over a 12-month period. The program, which would go into effect on and after July 1, 2021, would allow workers to take leave for situations including the birth of a child, adopting or putting a child into adoption, care of an ill family member, care for their own medical condition, saving or donating an organ or bone marrow. Importantly, the program would be employee-funded.
Twelve states and Washington, D.C. currently have some form of the leave. Studies indicate the policy can lead to improved employee retention, job satisfaction and productivity.
“This program represents an opportunity for Connecticut to join its neighbors and provide our families with one less thing to worry about during stressful times,” said Sen. Haskell. “It’s a chance for us to bolster our workforce and modernize our economy.”