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N.H. Lawmakers To Vote On Family Medical Leave Proposal

Keren Fenton
/
thebirthphotographer.com

The New Hampshire House is expected to vote this week on a bipartisan bill to create a family medical leave insurance program in the state. The bill was originally on the docket for last week but is among a slew of votes that had to be rescheduled because of the winter storm.

The bill would allow workers to pay into a family medical leave fund that could cover up to 12 weeks of paid time off for things like serious medical conditions or the birth of a new child.

Supporters, including Senator Dan Feltes of Concord, say the plan would make the state more economically competitive and would encourage young families to stay here.

“It’s so critical to worker retention, it’s so critical to worker productivity. You have a new kid, maybe you’re caring for a senior, caregiving for a sick child, or you need to get well yourself, perhaps opioid treatment.”

Opponents argue the bill would be unsustainable and too expensive in the long term.

If passed this session, the new law would take effect at the start of 2019.

Casey is a Senior News Editor for NHPR. You can contact her with questions or feedback at cmcdermott@nhpr.org.
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