Vermont to provide state employees with paid family and medical leave

The state of Vermont is going to begin offering paid family and medical leave to its 8,000 employees next summer as part of a voluntary program that in following years will be expanded to private businesses and individuals, reports The Associated Press. Gov. Phil Scott, a Republican who outlined the program Dec. 6, said it may provide at least 60% of the employee’s average weekly wage for a combined six weeks of paid leave in a 12-month period. The benefit can be used for several life events, including the birth of a child or caring for a sick family member, the report says.