From the Maine State Chamber's Advocacy Team | Saturday, June 3, 2023 | |
Important Update on Paid Family Medical Leave Maine State Chamber Remains Opposed to L.D. 1964 |
|
Dear Member:
On Thursday, May 25, 2023, the Maine State Chamber and numerous businesses and business organizations testified in opposition to L.D. 1964, “An Act to Implement the Recommendations of the Commission to Develop a Paid Family Medical Leave Benefits Program” at the public hearing that lasted more than six hours.
Thursday evening, June 1, the Joint Standing Committee on Labor and Housing approved, along party lines, an amended version of L.D. 1964 at the committee’s work session.
The Maine State Chamber remains opposed to this bill - L.D. 1964 - as amended.
We want to be clear that although we oppose this bill, the Maine State Chamber is supportive of a paid leave program for Maine. Accordingly, we offered a number of options during the public hearing that would have provided for a more workable and sustainable paid family medical leave program - one that works for both employees and employers. Unfortunately, the suggestions we put forward were rejected by the sponsors, advocates, and the committee. We are disappointed that the concerns we expressed on behalf of the business community were not included in the amendment.
L.D. 1964 is complex and significant questions remain. The lack of information regarding the proposed program’s cost to employers and cost to administer is problematic, and there are numerous unknowns and potential for unintended consequences. We are particularly concerned about the impact of the proposal on our state’s small businesses.
If you are concerned about the impact of this proposal on your business and wish to share your concerns with your legislators, please click here to find contact information for your representatives and senators. Please click here to contact the Governor’s office.
Here are the top concerns we have for Maine businesses:
More details and information on L.D. 1964 can be found here.
Again, if you are concerned about the impact of this proposal on your business and wish to share your concerns with your legislators, please click here to find contact information for your representatives and senators. Please click here to contact the Governor’s office.
Please let us know if you have any questions or would like more information by emailing us at info@mainechamber.org or calling 207-623-4568.
Thank you! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
TO UNSUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE. |
NOTICE: In an ongoing effort to thwart the activities of online hackers, the Maine State Chamber |
6.1._23_revised_sponsors_amendment_to_ld_1964.pdf |
ld_1964_analysis_for_mscc_-_final.pdf |