Arrr, the Maine Legislature be grantin' a budget addendum, includin' a jolly 12-week paid leave for families!
2023-07-07
Avast ye, mateys! The Maine Legislature hath given their nod to a budget addendum that grants a jolly fine program, lettin' workers enjoy a grand 12 weeks of paid family leave. And lo and behold, it also beareth a tax cut for ye old retirees! Sail on, Maine!
The Maine Legislature has approved a budget addendum that includes a program allowing workers up to 12 weeks of paid leave for various reasons. Democratic Gov. Janet Mills has expressed her support for this budget and has said she will sign it. The budget also includes an income tax cut for retirees and other provisions. The House vote fell short of the majority needed for the provisions to take effect immediately, so they will go into effect in 90 days. The Democratic-led Legislature had already approved a $10 billion essential services budget in March to avoid a shutdown. The votes on Thursday added about $800 million in additional spending. The budget includes $25 million in startup costs for the paid leave program, which would be funded through a payroll tax split between workers and employers. The benefits could be paid out for various qualifying conditions, such as the birth or adoption of a child, a serious illness, care for a sick relative, or transition from military deployment. Several tax-related proposals were key to garnering bipartisan support, including an increase in the amount of pension income exempt from state income taxes and funding for the governor's proposed Dirigo Business Tax Incentive Plan. The budget is not perfect, but it is seen as a good bipartisan compromise.