Time to Care Act would establish paid family, medical leave insurance program – WBAL TV Baltimore

A bill that would establish a statewide paid family and medical leave insurance program, if passed, will impact every worker and business in Maryland.The bill would allow workers to take paid time off for up to 12 days to care for newborns, loved ones with serious health problems or themselves.”This is a really important piece of legislation for many families throughout Maryland who have the awesome responsibility to be caregivers for loved ones,” said Baltimore City Sen. Antonio Hayes, D-District 40, the bill’s sponsor.The Time to Care Act of 2022 — Senate Bill 275 and House Bill 8 — would work as an insurance policy, calling for workers and employers to split the cost. For some, that would be $3.62 a week.The bill’s supporters argue the Time to Care Act is a game-changer.”This bill (could have helped) the mom who recently had to hide in a storage closet of her place of employment to participate in family therapy for her child who was hospitalized for psychiatric reasons because she didn’t have access to paid leave. This bill could help the new dad who had to report to work while his premature baby was in the NICU,” said Regan Vaughn, with Catholic Charities.Opponents said they appreciate the concept but want participation to be voluntary.”There’s got to be a way that this could be something people to choose to enter into,” Carroll County Sen. Justin Ready, R-District 5.A recent Opinion Works poll shows strong public support for the bill with 88% in favor and 9% opposed. However, a survey of small and independent businesses owners finds 80% oppose it.”The tools they need are improved infrastructure, access to broadband and affordable and predictable health insurance they can offer their employees,” said Mike O’Halloran, Maryland state director of the National Federation of Independent Business.The Maryland Chamber of Commerce opposes the bill, citing a lack of verification. It also doesn’t like having to keep the worker’s position open until the person returns.But bill supporters contend the legislation is good for businesses and employees.”The cost for the person and the business is very modest because it’s spread across the whole state,” said Kali Schumitz, with the Maryland Center on Economic Policy.The legislation has failed to pass in previous years, but this year, it has the backing of the House speaker.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. —

A bill that would establish a statewide paid family and medical leave insurance program, if passed, will impact every worker and business in Maryland.

The bill would allow workers to take paid time off for up to 12 days to care for newborns, loved ones with serious health problems or themselves.

“This is a really important piece of legislation for many families throughout Maryland who have the awesome responsibility to be caregivers for loved ones,” said Baltimore City Sen. Antonio Hayes, D-District 40, the bill’s sponsor.

The Time to Care Act of 2022 — Senate Bill 275 and House Bill 8 — would work as an insurance policy, calling for workers and employers to split the cost. For some, that would be $3.62 a week.

The bill’s supporters argue the Time to Care Act is a game-changer.

“This bill (could have helped) the mom who recently had to hide in a storage closet of her place of employment to participate in family therapy for her child who was hospitalized for psychiatric reasons because she didn’t have access to paid leave. This bill could help the new dad who had to report to work while his premature baby was in the NICU,” said Regan Vaughn, with Catholic Charities.

Opponents said they appreciate the concept but want participation to be voluntary.

“There’s got to be a way that this could be something people to choose to enter into,” Carroll County Sen. Justin Ready, R-District 5.

A recent Opinion Works poll shows strong public support for the bill with 88% in favor and 9% opposed. However, a survey of small and independent businesses owners finds 80% oppose it.

“The tools they need are improved infrastructure, access to broadband and affordable and predictable health insurance they can offer their employees,” said Mike O’Halloran, Maryland state director of the National Federation of Independent Business.

The Maryland Chamber of Commerce opposes the bill, citing a lack of verification. It also doesn’t like having to keep the worker’s position open until the person returns.

But bill supporters contend the legislation is good for businesses and employees.

“The cost for the person and the business is very modest because it’s spread across the whole state,” said Kali Schumitz, with the Maryland Center on Economic Policy.

The legislation has failed to pass in previous years, but this year, it has the backing of the House speaker.