In a significant development for employees across Colorado, the state has officially launched its paid family and medical leave program. This initiative marks a pivotal moment for worker rights in Colorado, following the approval of Proposition 118 by Colorado voters in 2020.
As of now, Coloradans have the opportunity to begin filing claims through an online portal, although the benefits will only be available starting January 2024. Tracy Marshall, the director of the program, highlights the ease of the application process, which can take less than 10 minutes.
The program, designed to support workers in various life situations, allows claims for scenarios such as welcoming a new child, dealing with a serious medical condition, or caring for a family member with a medical condition.
Payments from the program are set to begin after January 1, 2024. Once approved, eligible individuals can expect checks offering partial wage replacement, with a maximum of $1,100 per week, calculated on a sliding scale based on income.
This initiative places Colorado as the ninth state in the U.S. to implement such insurance. The program casts a wide net, extending its benefits to most workers in the state, including part-time, seasonal, gig workers, and self-employed individuals. Here are the situations that the state’s website says are covered. Through FAMLI leave, people can take time off from work to:
- Care for a new child, including adopted and fostered children
- Care for themselves, if they have a serious health condition
- Care for a family member’s serious health condition
- Make arrangements for a family member’s military deployment
- Address the immediate safety needs and impact of domestic violence
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Colorado’s move towards this employee-centric policy represents a significant stride in workers’ rights, setting a precedent for other states to follow. As the program rolls out, it promises to bring much-needed relief and support to countless workers across the state.