On the Agenda: Paid Family Leave

AARP Vermont is ramping up its advocacy for legislation that would require employers to offer paid family and medical leave to support the state’s unpaid family caregivers.

A bill allowing most public- and private-sector workers to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave for an illness or to care for a family member with a serious health condition is now pending in the state Senate. The measure— which would provide workers with up to 90 percent of the state average weekly wage—passed the state House in 2023.

Vermont’s governor has begun setting up an alternative paid leave program, through an administrative directive, that would be voluntary for employers and offer less time off at lower pay.

AARP Vermont needs help lobbying lawmakers to pass the legislation. To learn more, visit the AARP action page at action.aarp.org/vtpaid leave and contact your legislator.