HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - Connecticut residents can now apply for financial assistance that's available to workers in much of the world, but not in most of the US: paid family and medical leave.
Gov. Ned Lamont and other Democratic officials appeared outside longtime New Haven vegetarian staple Claire's Corner Copia to announce the start of the application process. Up to twelve weeks of paid leave are available to qualified applicants.
"It's under budget. It's ahead of schedule," says Gov. Lamont. "That doesn't always happen in government. It gives people confidence that we can make a difference in folks' lives."
The governor and state COO Josh Geballe credit Andrea Barton Reeves, CEO of the CT Paid Leave Authority, for successfully setting up the new venture in less than two years after her appointment.
"Standing up a state agency by itself is already a challenge," says Barton Reeves, "but in a pandemic, it proved even more challenging. But we had a great team and amazing people, so we got it done."
Applicants can visit ctpaidleave.org or call (877) 499-8606.
