US EditionLawmakers Reject Proposals that Would Roll Back New Paid Family and Medical Leave Program
- On April 29, 2025, Maine legislators voted against two proposals that sought to roll back the recently established state program providing paid family and medical leave, which is financed by a 1% payroll tax.
- The program, enacted last year with broad support, faces opposition largely from business groups and some Republicans who argue it burdens employers financially.
- Supporters emphasize the program’s benefits for workers and employers, citing statistics on paid leave improving workforce participation and economic strength nationwide.
- Rep. Matthew D. Beck stated that PFML is “good for workers and for business,” while Rep. Morris argued repeal would “put money back in people's pockets immediately.”
- The legislature’s rejection sustains Maine’s universal paid leave plan, with benefits beginning in May 2026 and ongoing contributions since January 2025.
20 Articles
20 Articles
Democrats Stifle Efforts to Repeal or Amend Maine's Paid Family and Medical Leave Program
House lawmakers in Augusta rejected two bills during Monday’s session taking aim at Maine’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) Program. While one bill would have made participation in the program voluntary, the other would have repealed the program in its entirety. The PFML Program, enacted last year as part of a spending bill, [...] The post Democrats Stifle Efforts to Repeal or Amend Maine’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Program appeared…
Proposed constitutional amendment to protect paid leave fund one step closer to ballot • Maine Morning Star
Supporters of paid family and medical leave policy rallied on the steps of the Maine State House in June 2023. One month later the policy became law. (Courtesy of Maine Women's Lobby)The entire Maine Legislature is so far taking the recommendations of the Labor Committee to reject significant changes to the state’s paid family and medical leave program. On Monday, the Senate voted 20-14 to back a proposal (LD 894) to tweak the program, but rejec…
Lewiston Sun Journal
Lawmakers reject proposals that would roll back new paid family and medical leave program
Initial votes Monday indicated lawmakers are unlikely to pass changes Republicans had sought to repeal the program or make it voluntary.
GazetteXtra
More GOP states embrace paid parental leave for teachers, public employees
More Republican-led states are giving paid parental leave to public school teachers and other state employees, signaling a broader acceptance of family-friendly workplace policies once championed primarily by Democrats.
More GOP states embrace paid parental leave for teachers, public employees • Utah News Dispatch
A woman holds her newborn baby in her Los Angeles home. More legislatures in Republican-led states are passing paid parental leave for public employees. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)More Republican-led states are giving paid parental leave to public school teachers and other state employees, signaling a broader acceptance of family-friendly workplace policies once championed primarily by Democrats. “All of these red states, I think we’re …
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