Paid Family Leave deductions begin in January

I just wanted to remind you that starting in January, most Connecticut workers will see a new tax deduction from their paycheck to fund the newly-created Paid Family Medical Leave program. This new half-percent tax will be taken from non-union workers and deposited into the fund for disbursement to qualified individuals beginning in 2022.

Since the program was announced, my office has received numerous calls from workers and business owners asking for more information, and sharing their concerns that the program, as designed, will not be able to meet demand, that some will abuse the program, and that the fund will quickly be insolvent and that the tax to pay for it will be raised.

I raised those same objections during debate on the House floor.

Recently, in an effort to help Connecticut workers already struggling from COVID-19 restrictions, I joined House Republican-leader Candelora in asking the governor to temporarily suspend this new tax, and calling for an actuarial analysis of the program to make sure the benefit will be achievable. Unfortunately, that request was not granted.

In order to implement this program, the state created the new CT Paid Leave Authority which has a detailed FAQ section on their website, which includes the questions below.

For more information, answers to your questions and to contact the Authority, please click here.