Vermont Business Magazine Today, the House passed H.196, the Paid Family Leave Insurance Bill on a vote of 90-53. The bill allows Vermont employees to take up to 12 weeks of paid family leave for the birth or adoption of a new child or 6 weeks for familial illness.
“Too many Vermonters live paycheck to paycheck. We know that many Vermonters do not have the cash on hand to sustain themselves against a several hundred dollar emergency, much less the ability to miss weeks of pay to care for a new child or sick family member,” said Speaker of the House Mitzi Johnson (D-South Hero). “Paid family leave insurance ensures Vermonters don’t have to choose between a paycheck and care for a new child or close relative.”
“This legislation is a priority of the House, and today’s strong vote of 90-53 shows its tri-partisan support. Paid Family Leave will not only make Vermont a better state for working families, it’s a policy that will attract young families looking for the most friendly state in which to put down roots.”
“Paid Family Leave helps both Vermont families and the Vermont economy,” added House General, Housing, and Military Affairs Vice-Chair Tom Stevens (D-Waterbury). “It relieves stressed families trying to balance work and care for family members, and it improves relations between employees and businesses in the state. Prioritizing working families ensures Vermont is working for all of us, not just those who can most afford to take time away from work.”
Representative Sam Young (D-Glover), co-sponsor of the bill and Vice Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means said “Vermonters deserve the ability to care for their loved ones, and this bill allows them to do so. A statewide family insurance plan will help keep young professionals in Vermont, growing small businesses in the state. Family members will be able to spend more time with their loved ones, and our overburdened child care and assisted living facilities will be relieved. Ensuring our families have a strong foundation is the humanitarian thing to do for our kids, our workers, and our businesses.”
Source: Speaker 5.11.2018