Governor Ned Lamont signed into law a paid family and medical leave program for Connecticut. Republicans say the law is too ambitious and is bad for business.
Lamont signed the bill at the state Capitol surrounded by Democratic lawmakers, small business owners and workers.
Lamont says the law is a giant step forward for Connecticut. He pushed back on Republican criticism.
“It means you can now take the time you need to care for a sick child, to care for a new child, to do what you’ve got to do and you don’t have to choose between a job and someone you love.”
Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano says the law is too ambitious and doubts enough money will be generated to sustain it.
“Paid family leave, they promise all these wonderful things, except, if they don’t reach the target they are going to take away some of those wonderful things that they promised you. It’s another promise we make in this building that we know we can’t uphold.”
Connecticut joins New York, Massachusetts, three other states and the District of Columbia in having paid family and medical leave.
The program will be funded through a .5% payroll tax.
It will take effect in January 2022.
