As a working mother, I cannot stress enough the importance of paid family medical leave.

When I learned I was pregnant, my small employer did not yet have a policy in place, but they worked quickly to ensure that I would be able to take time, with compensation, and be able to return to work to my original position. Two-thirds of people in Maine do not have that luxury – the number of people whose employers do not offer paid family medical leave. They shouldn’t have to choose between caring for themselves or a loved one or paying their bills.

For me, paid family medical leave enabled me to recover from childbirth and bond with my son, which, research shows, results in kids who are healthier, have stronger family bonds and are more prepared for school. It isn’t just new parents who would benefit from paid family medical leave. It’s a program that most everyone will need to take advantage of at some point, whether it’s taking care of yourself after a surgery or accident or supporting a loved one who has a significant health condition or an older family member who needs care, which is especially pertinent with Maine’s older population.

Paid family medical leave is important because life events happen and there shouldn’t be the worry of not earning a paycheck or being able to return to work. Please contact our legislators and urge them to support paid family medical leave and sign the petition on Election Day to get it on the ballot.

Heather Drake
Cape Elizabeth