PFML Ballot Updates

Maine families deserve comprehensive paid family and medical leave as a basic standard for all in our country and the rules must be equitable for everyone—so that no one is denied paid time off when they need it the most. 

Women and caregivers have carried us through this pandemic, at home and on the front lines. Women have lost over 5 million jobs during the pandemic, and women of color have suffered the greatest losses. We can and must pass policies that protect working families, save jobs, and create new forms of economic growth. 

Last year, we led the Maine Paid Leave Coalition in support of LD 1559, which created Maine’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Commission. The Commission is working hard to develop a plan for Maine. But we know that there is a long road through the election and to a legislative solution. 

That is why Maine Women’s Lobby is teaming up with the Maine People’s Alliance to file paperwork for a people’s referendum for Paid Family & Medical Leave. This would mean a proposal could be on the ballot as early as November 2023. 

In the meantime, Maine Women’s Lobby continues to lead Maine’s paid family and medical leave work, as we:

• Convene over 30 partner organizations in Maine’s Paid Leave Coalition;

• Gather partners and allies for storytelling and power-building related to paid leave; and

• Organize across the state to make paid family leave - and the full care agenda for gender equity - a reality in Maine.

We can’t do it without you.

Maine' Women’s Lobby members can be part of this effort in so many ways. Right now, we invite people to support us by joining the paid leave coalition membership or listserve, becoming a community leader for paid leave, or sharing your story of how paid family and medical leave could change your family’s future. You can also find more ways to take action here.

Together, we can move forward Maine’s paid leave possibilities. Join us.