Paid leave a great way to ring in the New Year
As 2021 draws to a close with a pandemic still upon us and an uneven economic recovery, there is some really good news for Connecticut’s working families. The CT Paid Family & Medical Leave program takes effect this Jan. 1.
In 2018, as I considered running for office, one of the most compelling reasons for taking on this awesome responsibility was my belief we could and should pass a paid family leave program in Connecticut. As a mother and grandmother, I knew from my own experience that staying home with a newborn is so very important, and too many parents don’t have that option.
In the 2019 legislative session, we worked tirelessly to pass the Paid Family & Medical Leave Act. Now, two and a half years later — Jan. 1, 2022, working families have the right to take a leave to care for themselves and their loved ones without fear of losing their job or their paycheck.
The real proof of the enthusiasm and the need for this program is underscored by the 2,000 filings with the CT Paid Leave Authority in the first week applications were accepted. Applications filed by folks like Sarah, who testified during the 2019 public hearing. At age 28, Sarah was diagnosed with cancer. She had to quit her job to undergo treatment, and her mother lost months of income taking care of her. Thankfully, the treatment was successful, but Sarah and her mother were left with massive debt.
This program provides wage replacement and job protection to employees of businesses throughout Connecticut. Workers can file for benefits if they must take leave of employment because of a personal serious medical condition or if a child, spouse or parent has a serious illness that requires care from the employee. Parental leave is covered — the period of childbirth, as well as the important early bonding months — for both parents. Besides illness and childbirth, there are also provisions for paid time off for adoption, foster care placement, organ and marrow donors and victims of domestic abuse. Workers can qualify for up to 12 weeks of leave annually.
Low-wage workers rarely have enough paid sick time or a cushion to absorb loss of a paycheck when caring for themselves or a loved one. That’s why we crafted legislation that would help those who need the help the most. Those who bear the disproportionate burden of care and of sacrifice are women and low-wage workers.
Under our program, every worker’s job is protected and the benefit is based on a formula that pays out the largest percentage wage replacement for lower-wage earners. Minimum wage workers will receive
95 percent of their earnings. The maximum weekly benefit any worker can qualify for will be $900 a week — a significant help, even to higher-wage earners.
We are convinced that the state of Connecticut has the best program in the nation. The CT Paid Leave program (1) requires all businesses with even one employee to participate, (2) allows selfemployed independent contractors to opt in, (3) covers a wide range of needs and broad definitions of family, and (4) assures workers using the leave have job protection.
Our program is employee-funded by a contribution of one-half of 1 percent of salary. Contributions began last January. The CTPLA has a recent actuarial report indicating funding is right on target — the fund will be solvent even if more people take leave than projected.
In 2022, young mothers won’t have to return to work immediately after giving birth, sons and daughters will be able to care for a parent at the end of life without risking their job, and there will be a financial cushion for people like Sarah and her mother when a health crisis overwhelms the family.
The CTPLA began accepting applications for leave on Dec. 1. Details of the new program and leave applications can be found at www.ctpaidleave.org.
Serving as the 24th District’s state senator has been such an honor, and it all feels worthwhile when we are able to enact programs that really make a difference for Connecticut’s working families. Passing paid family leave was exciting — seeing the first recipients in the district receive benefits will be even better. Here’s wishing everyone a very happy New Year.
We are convinced that the state of Connecticut has the best program in the nation.