Readers respond to last week’s Feedback Friday topic, which was:
Controversial Paid Family Leave Legislation Passes
Last week, the Maryland General Assembly passed the “Time to Care Act” which would provide paid family and medical leave up to 12 weeks to individuals for “specified personal and family circumstances.” The program would be implemented by Maryland’s labor department and funded through contributions by both employers and employees. In other words, another tax to businesses and paychecks.
“The goal is to make sure that individuals who suffer family tragedies or have a child are covered and have some paid leave and don’t have to decide between caring for their loved ones and going to work,” argued Del. C.T. Wilson, D-Charles.
But the legislation is not without critics; perhaps most notably the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, whose president and CEO, Mary Kane, issued the following statement in response:
The Maryland General Assembly passed a $1 billion payroll tax on Maryland businesses and working families. During a time when inflation is exceeding 8% for the first time in forty years and Marylanders are struggling to afford basic necessities – gas, groceries and housing – legislative leadership is choosing to add yet another deduction to the paychecks of working Marylanders and struggling businesses. It is a cost Marylanders simply can’t afford.
The workforce shortage continues to be one of the major issues facing small businesses. In response businesses are voluntarily raising wages, providing workers with more schedule flexibility and offering employees more opportunities and benefits. This costly leave mandate and new payroll tax will negatively impact Maryland’s economy by further stressing our already over-taxed businesses and placing the funding burden squarely on the backs of our workforce.
The Maryland Chamber of Commerce and our network of businesses across the state are disappointed that the General Assembly flip-flopped from the original proposal of establishing a commission to thoroughly evaluate the effects and cost implications of such a program. The bill that passed tonight was put together in a back room with the final version allowing limited input from Maryland stakeholders. We have been vocal on our desire to see a comprehensive evaluation of a paid family and medical leave insurance program before pressing forward with an ill-conceived, cost-prohibitive program like the one just voted on.
We are hopeful Governor Hogan will veto this dangerous legislation, protecting Maryland’s businesses and working families from another tax when they can least afford it.
What do you think? Are you for or opposed to this legislation?
Here’s what you said:
No provisions for third party payers including Medicaid and insurance payers to be required to raise their reimbursement rates accordingly to allow for this enormous cost structure increase. In addition, health care workforce is a massive critical shortage and pay increases strictly for wages are already rising drastically outside of this additional mandate for time off---- with no provisions for the replacement workforce to take their spot for work. State is not planning for the worst-case crisis. But it has just designed a perfect storm crisis.
Elizabeth Weglein, Towson
We do NOT need another tax! Tell the Gov to veto this bill.
Iris Robertson, Royal Oak
I agree with Mary Kane. This is not the time for this legislation.
Lucy Franklin, Friendship
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