As a nurse, I remember helping new parents after the birth of their child, preparing them the best I could for both the joys and the challenges ahead of them. It was heartbreaking to know that after parents leave the hospital, many must choose between earning income or providing care for the newest member of their family.

As a working mother myself, I know very well the challenges they face, particularly the choice of foregoing necessary income to care for a member of their family. That’s why this year I will be supporting LD 1964, to implement paid family and medical leave in Maine.

In the 130th Legislature, Sen. Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick, and Rep. Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, formed the bipartisan Commission to Develop a Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Program to study the best way to create a paid family and medical leave program in Maine. The final report detailed a plan of how we can establish paid family and medical leave that would benefit all Mainers. The initial version of the proposed legislation came directly from the recommendations made by the Commission.

LD 1964 had a lively public hearing on May 25 before the Legislature’s Labor and Housing Committee. Many Mainers testified in support of this legislation, voicing similar concerns that I have as a resident in this state.

Mothers testified about their inability to access post-partum care and time for recuperation after birth — a luxury that should be routine for all mothers. Doctors shared their moral injury when they were not able to provide adequate post-partum care. Small business owners shared that they’re looking to have the ability to provide paid leave for their employees. Advocates for survivors of domestic and sexual violence explained the vital role paid leave would play in helping survivors both escape a dangerous situation and heal from the trauma.

Each of these stories affected me deeply. Each story is another reason among hundreds to support paid family and medical leave for Maine.

On June 1, the Labor and Housing Committee voted 8-5 in favor of the bill. Under the committee amendment to the bill, employees and employers would evenly split a wage contribution, equal to 1 percent or less of the worker’s wages. For businesses with 15 or fewer workers, their employees would be eligible for the program, but would not have to pay the employer contribution. Employers who offer comparable or more comprehensive paid leave plans would have the ability to 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. Additionally, a worker would know that their job is secure after taking paid leave, once they have worked for 120 days.

Under LD 1964, you would be eligible for paid family and medical leave for birth, adoption or fostering of a child; supporting an ill or dying loved one; or caring for an older family member. In the case that you need to recover from surgery, an accident, substance use disorder or other health challenges, you could apply for paid leave. If you are preparing for or transitioning back from a family member’s military deployment, you could apply for paid leave. If you or a family member are a victim of domestic or sexual violence, you could apply for paid leave.

As a small business owner myself, I want to have the ability to provide paid family and medical leave for my employees. When an emergency arises in their lives, I want them to feel secure that they won’t have to sacrifice their financial security in order to take care of their loved ones. Given the small scale of my business, achieving something meaningful for my employees without the support of a state program is untenable, but I believe it is important to provide this program for my employees.

LD 1964 is an important step forward for Maine. We in the Legislature have an opportunity to bring positive change to our state and all Mainers. As a mother, nurse-midwife and small business owner, I look forward to living in a state that offer paid family and medical leave.

Stacy Brenner represents Maine State Senate District 30, Gorham and most of Scarborough. She can be reached at Stacy.Brenner@legislature.maine.gov or 207-287-1515. For updates, follow Brenner on Facebook at Facebook.com/SenatorStacyBrenner.

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