Lawmaker co-signs bipartisan letter requesting three-month delay
BOSTON – Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury) recently co-signed a letter to legislative leaders in the Senate and House of Representatives requesting a delayed implementation of the new Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) law signed by the Governor last year. Approximately 45 legislators signed onto the letter spearheaded by Representative Joseph D. McKenna (R-Webster) and House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading).
Under the new PFML law, most workers in Massachusetts will be eligible to get up to 12 weeks of paid family leave and up to 20 weeks of paid medical leave beginning in January of 2021. The program is funded by premiums collected from employees, employers, and the self-employed, and contributions to the program are scheduled to begin on July 1, 2019.
In light of recent communications from a unified group of business, labor, and social justice organizations, as well as conversations with business owners and constituents, Senator Moore, Representative McKenna, and other legislative colleagues, penned a letter to urge the Senate and House to adopt a three-month delay in the implementation of the new law.
“While I fully support the provisions of the law, and acknowledge the benefits to our Commonwealth’s workforce, it’s important for the launch of this program to be done right the first time,” said Senator Moore. “Providing the business community with a little more time to comply with the new requirements will alleviate headaches for employers and employees down the road.”
“I am impressed by the progress made given the monumental task of creating a new agency, promulgating the rules and regulations around the law, and finally beginning to educate the workforce and employers,” said Representative McKenna. “However, after hearing concerns from business owners in my district who have not been told how they will comply with this law when it is scheduled to go live next month, and in light of efforts from the business and labor community, I feel it is critical to simply push the implementation date out to allow a smoother process with more awareness of the law and regulations by those expected to adhere to this system.”
If the delay is approved, the required contributions to the program would take effect starting October 1, 2019. To learn more about the law and requirements, visit the Department of Family and Medical Leave’s webpage by clicking below.
Important Update:
The Governor and leaders in the Senate and House of Representatives have agreed to a three-month delay to the new PFML requirements. The Legislature, however, must still vote and the Governor must sign legislation to formally delay the implementation.