Maine lawmakers advance paid family leave plan [Video]

AUGUSTA, Maine — Editor’s note: The video attached to this story was published May 25. 

The Maine Legislature’s budget-writing committee has reached a bipartisan compromise on the remaining $800 million to $900 million in spending in the upcoming budget, providing startup funding for paid family leave, investing more in child care and providing tax cuts for retirees.

It’s unclear when the full Legislature will take up the spending proposal, which follows approval of a nearly $10 billion essential services budget along party lines in March to prevent a state government shutdown. It’s possible the Maine Senate won’t reconvene until next week, after the Fourth of July holiday.

The proposal includes startup costs for a paid family leave program that both chambers support, along with additional spending for child care workers and to boost a child care affordability program. It also includes more money for emergency medical services and a cost-of-living adjustment for state …