Over 130 medical providers in Maine have signed an open letter pushing legislators for a statewide paid family and medical leave policy, according to an April 13 report from the Maine Beacon.
"As health professionals, we swore an oath to take care of our patients: aiding them when they're sick, alleviating pain where we can, and promoting good health," the letter reads. "The current system of unpaid leave creates undue stress and burden on patients seeking care as well as their loved ones who often act as caretakers."
The state Legislature is expected to consider the potential policy this year and has formed a bipartisan Maine paid family and medical leave commission, the report said. The commission has already put together a set of recommendations after examining other states' policies.
These recommendations include providing all Maine workers up to 12 weeks of paid leave for a variety of reasons, such as caring for a family member, addressing personal medical issues and addressing medical and nonmedical issues related to domestic violence or stalking.
The policy would be funded through employer and employee contributions.
Read the letter and the rest of the recommendations here.