Christine Palm

If the ongoing pandemic has taught us anything, it's that unexpected crises can pop up at any time to wreak havoc on our lives. When those situations arise, it's vital to be as prepared as one possibly can be.

This is why Connecticut's Paid Family and Medical Leave program, which went into effect on January 1, will be so crucial for workers and why I was pleased to be part of the team that pushed hard for this program. The Paid Leave program offers workers access to partial wage replacement for qualifying life events, including childbirth and seeking treatment for serious health conditions for themselves or their families.

There is some misinformation in the public sphere regarding the funding of this important social program. Some have called it a "tax." It is not a tax. Like any type of insurance, policyholders pay to receive coverage. The premiums pay for the benefit. Please note that payroll deductions are based on the frequency of your pay period, and the most you will contribute is one-half of one percent (0.5%) of your total wages.

For example, if you earn:

• $5,000 per month, you would pay $25 per pay period
• $2,500 per month, you would pay $12.50 per pay period
• $1,000 per month, you would pay $5 per pay period

A contribution estimator from the Connecticut Paid Leave Authority can be used to determine how much will be deducted from your earnings. To use the estimator, click HERE and scroll to the very bottom of the page.

Paid family and medical leave keep families together during difficult times like these and I am pleased our state has joined a growing list of states across the country to implement this program.

For additional information on this program, visit the CT Paid Leave Authority's website by clicking HERE.