A bill that will make Connecticut the seventh state with a paid family and medical leave program is on the way to the desk of Gov. Ned Lamont, who has said he will sign it.
“I’m proud to soon sign my name on a piece of legislation that will help ensure this program is a national model and remains solvent for years to come,” the governor said in a statement. The program will take effect Jan. 1, 2022.
Funded by employees through a payroll tax, the program provides up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents, those taking care of seriously ill family members and those caring for their own serious illnesses.
The weekly benefit will be 95% of 40 times the minimum wage and 60% on earnings above the minimum wage. The maximum weekly benefit cannot exceed 60 times the minimum wage, which is the equivalent of $780 on a $13 minimum wage, $840 on a $14 minimum wage and $900 on a $15 minimum wage.
“Family member” will be defined as a child, parent, spouse or domestic partner, grandparent or grandchild.
Connecticut joins California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Washington, as well as the District of Columbia, all of which have paid family and medical leave programs, although the details differ.
