Delaware workers may start to notice smaller paychecks as the state initiates its new Paid Family Medical Leave Insurance Program. The program, birthed from the Healthy Delaware Families Act of 2022, sets up a 0.4% payroll deduction to bankroll paid family leave benefits. While the state hails the initiative as a means for employees to secure income during family leave periods, not all are content with the new development.

Tammy Downs from Laurel raised concerns about the financial implications, stating that for single-income households, the deduction may prove burdensome. “You’re living, which is hard right now. Expenses for everything—rent’s expensive, living’s expensive. So it’s a lot, she commented.

However, the legislation exempts small businesses with less than nine employees from the program. Kim Littleton, a small-business owner, underscores the import of this exemption, recognizing the potential strain payroll deductions could impose on larger corporations.

Robert Barger of Seaford, on the other hand, disagreed with state-mandated paid leave. He argues for individual responsibility over governmental intervention. “It should be the responsibility of the person—me, you. That’s a decision, in my opinion, that shouldn’t be left to a government of any kind, said Barger.

Workers in Maryland should be ready for similar paycheck adjustments, as the state plans to enact a comparable paid leave program on July 1.

On a related note, if you’re a worker in Delaware or any other state wishing to explore more about these changes or having questions about your leave benefits and how to contact appropriate departments, resources like eddcaller.com can help. This site provides contact information and advice on how to get a hold of Paid Family Leave departments in different states, offering needed assistance for those seeking to gather more information related to their leave options.