This Gentleman from Portland Does Not Want to be the Center of Attention, But He Wants His Message to be Seen and  Heard!

The Maine Supreme Judicial Court has unanimously affirmed the legality and constitutionality of rules adopted by the Maine Department of Labor in administering the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act according to a press release issued yesterday.  The plaintiff in the lawsuit, Maine State Chamber of Commerce argued that the Department’s rules conflicted with the Act and constituted a taking of private property for public use.

The case involved the requirement for all Maine employers to pay quarterly contributions to the Paid Famly and Medical Leave Program for the first quarter of 2025.  The Act and the Department’s rules allow employers who offer optional private plans that provide substantial equivalent coverage for workers to be exempt from paying contributions to the Program.  The Department’s rules – which set the requirements and timeliness for these private plans have been upheld.

“I appreciate the court affirming that the Department’s rule was a reasonable interpretation of the Act and was within our rulemaking authority granged by the Legislature,” said Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman.  “We will continue to focus on implementing the program in preparation for benefits going live in 2026.”