More Conn. men should take paid leave

Connecticut stands out as one of the national shining stars in terms of places to raise families, educate young children, and support working parents. As young legislators, we know the importance of remaining committed to the advancement and well-being of Connecticut families — because it means that our future will remain solvent as we aim to strengthen our workforce, produce resilient citizens, and buck every negative trend for states like ours.

We are proud to highlight the success and importance of the Connecticut Paid Leave program, which provides income replacement for workers taking leave for a serious health condition, starting or expanding a family (adoption and foster care included), caring for a sick family member, or dealing with situations related to a family member’s service in the Armed Forces or family violence. With a significant impact on the lives of more than 93,000 workers, this program has paid out more than $590 million in benefits, providing a crucial lifeline for families across the

Land of Steady Habits.

One striking statistic underscores the significance of the program: on average,

Connecticut workers have received seven weeks of paid leave benefits. However, one aspect that requires our immediate attention is the underutilization of the program by male workers. While more than 60 percent of claimants are female, only 37 percent are male. This gender disparity suggests that there is a need for a cultural shift that allows men to play a larger role in care-giving and be more present for their families. Simply put, that’s why we are encouraging more men to recognize and seize the benefits offered by CT Paid Leave.

Encouraging more men to utilize the program is not only an issue of equity but also a matter of fostering stronger, more engaged families. Studies consistently show that fathers who take paternity leave, for example, are more involved in their child’s life from the outset, leading to longterm positive outcomes for the child’s development.

CT Paid Leave has been and can remain a game-changer for families, allowing fathers to actively participate in the early stages of their child’s life. By taking advantage of the program, fathers contribute not only to their family’s wellbeing but also to the overall health of our state’s workforce.

By encouraging fathers to take the full 12 weeks of bonding leave available to them, the CT Paid Leave program can play a crucial role in alleviating stress on the state’s childcare system. Connecticut is already grappling with a shortage of infant/toddler slots in childcare facilities. Consider this idea — by allowing parents to stay at home for an extended period to bond with their child, we can mitigate this challenge and contribute to a more robust and supportive environment for families. At the same time, we can reduce the strain being faced by our most vulnerable educators and decrease the postpartum challenges faced by new parents. Programs like CT Paid Leave work in tandem with other crucial agencies and social service programs across our state, aimed to develop, nurture, and support our youngest residents.

While celebrating the success of the Paid Family Leave program, we must address the pressing need to increase the maximum benefit amount. Currently among the lowest in the country, raising these benefits would align Connecticut with other states, providing much-needed relief to workers and their families. Moreover, it’s an investment in the prosperity and resilience of our communities.

It’s simple — while we proudly celebrate the success of CT Paid Leave, we must always ensure its viability and recognize its potential for shaping a brighter future for our families and workforce. Realizing the reality of more men participating in this program is not just a matter of policy; it is a call to redefine societal norms and prioritize the well-being of our families. It is incumbent upon every business owner, legislator, parent, resident, and neighbor across the state to take advantage of this vital program and encourage others to do the same, thus ensuring that every family in Connecticut can benefit from the support and flexibility it provides.

For more information about CT Paid Leave, visit www.ctpaidleave.org.

Encouraging more men to utilize the program is not only an issue of equity but also a matter of fostering stronger, more engaged families.