This bill, introduced and sponsored by Sen. Julie Kushner and signed into law on June 24, 2019, establishes a statewide paid family and medical leave insurance program. Starting in January 2021, workers in Connecticut will get up to 12 weeks of replacement wages to care for a new baby, a seriously ill family member or loved one, or to deal with their own illness. The benefit will be funded by a payroll deduction not to exceed 0.5%. Benefits will cover 95% of low-wage workers’ pay, up to $900 a week.

Why it matters to working people.

Paid family and medical leave directly and significantly improves the lives of all working families, especially for the many workers who find it nearly impossible to balance the demands of job and family.

Today, just 17% of the workforce has paid family leave through their employer, and less than half are eligible for personal medical leave through an employer-provided short-term disability program. This law establishes a statewide paid family and medical leave insurance program that allows workers in Connecticut to care for a new baby or attend to their own serious illness or that of a loved one.

What people are saying.

“As a parent and grandparent, I sleep better at night knowing that if my kids or grandkids get sick, I could feel confident about taking paid time off to be with them.” —Rep. Robyn Porter