Source: Maine Center for Economic Policy
May 29, 2019
Groundbreaking ‘earned paid leave’ law to cover 85% of Maine workers
Courtesy / Office of Gov. Janet Mills
Gov. Janet Mills is joined by lawmakers after signing into law on Tuesday a groundbreaking bill sponsored by Sen. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth that creates a statewide earned-paid-time-off policy that will result in paid leave for 85% of all Maine workers. With Mills’ signature, the law will take effect 90 days after the adjournment of the Legislature.
By James McCarthy
A bill initially opposed by the Maine State Chamber of Commerce to create a statewide earned-paid-time-off policy underwent enough revision to win the chamber's support en route to it being signed into law by Gov. Janet Mills on Tuesday.
Surrounded by workers, advocates and lawmakers, Mills signed into law a groundbreaking bill to create a statewide earned-paid-time-off policy that will result in paid leave for 85% of all Maine workers.
LD 369, “An Act Authorizing Earned Employee Leave,” sponsored by Sen. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth, requires companies with more than 10 employees to offer earned leave. Smaller businesses and seasonal employees are exempt. Millett's bill, prior to being amended in response to criticisms and suggestions offered at its Feb. 25 public hearing in Augusta, initially would have applied to any business that employs five or more people.
Dana Connors, president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, characterized the legislation as a product of bipartisan cooperation.
“Under the stewardship of Gov. Mills, this legislation has achieved a balance which will minimize detriments to Maine businesses while supporting working families and strengthening our economy,” he said. “While no one achieved everything they wanted, this new law is the product of bipartisan work, and I am thankful for how we have come together since its introduction.”
“I don’t know anyone who hasn’t gotten sick or had a child who’s gotten sick,” Mills said. “That’s just life and such unexpected circumstances should not break the bank for working Maine people. This bipartisan bill balances the interests of business owners and ensures that hardworking Mainers are able to take necessary time off without worrying about losing a day’s pay. This forward-looking policy is good for our economy, good for our workforce, and it shows what we can accomplish when we work to find common ground.”
According to the National Council of State Legislatures, 10 states have paid sick laws. Maine’s law would allow for the use of paid leave for other circumstances while requiring reasonable notice by employees. The amended bill won strong bipartisan support in the Legislature, including a 9-1 vote in favor by the Labor and Housing Committee, and has the backing of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce. In addition to providing paid leave for 85% of all Maine workers, the bill also exempts more than 40,000 of Maine’s 50,792 businesses.
“From the start, this has always been about making sure Mainers don’t have to choose between the health of their family or their paycheck. By instituting a statewide earned paid-time-off policy, we are one step closer to this goal,” said Millett. “No one should worry about losing their job or paycheck when child care is canceled or when their parent has a health scare. They shouldn’t worry about how they will pay for the flat tire on top of missing work while they get it repaired. This new law provides Mainers with some breathing room should the unexpected happen.”
Upon Gov. Mills’ signature, the law will take effect 90 days after the adjournment of the Legislature.
Garrett Martin, executive director of Maine Center for Economic Policy, said the nonprofit’s “State of Working Maine 2018” reported that the lack of sick leave cost the state’s economy $115 million every year.
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