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Stratford Rep. Hoydick Proposes Changes In Family Medical Leave Benefits

STRATFORD, Conn. — State Rep. Laura Hoydick (R-Stratford) is proposing changes to make it easier for families to take advantage of the benefits offered by the Family Medical Leave Act.

Rep. Laura Hoydick (R-120)

Rep. Laura Hoydick (R-120)

Photo Credit: Contributed

Hoydick has joined state Reps. Noreen Kokoruda and Vincent Candelora (both R-Durham) in proposing measures this session of the Connecticut General Assembly. 

They are pushing the Family Medical Leave Benefit Accounts, which allow families to take advantage of a pre-tax savings account when they take time off work for the birth of a child, and for later dependent child care costs as well as to take care of elderly family members. 

The proposals also provide tax credits to businesses that offer on-site daycare options for employees, and provide relief to families related to the costs of day care by providing a credit against the personal income tax for day care costs. 

“These bills will create greater options to families who need to use the benefits associated with FMLA and for employers who are currently supporting their employees by providing services that aid in child rearing,” said Hoydick. 

“There are many companies in our state who rightly recognize that for some employees, on-site daycare is a must. These employers that recognize the value of supporting their employees and their families should be encouraged to continue the practice. 

"These bills also provide financial relief to families who are just starting out with newborns and toddlers or who have family members who will require care and by creating Family Medical Leave Benefit Accounts they can invest by setting aside a portion of their income pre-tax much like a 529 or health savings account program.” 

Under current state law, employers must provide 16 weeks of unpaid leave an employee for the birth of a child and care for a newborn, the placement of a child for adoption or foster care with the employee, care for the employee’s spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition, or when the employee suffers from a serious health condition making them unable to perform the essential functions of their job. 

The proposed bills are: 

  • H.B 5122, An Act Concerning Personal Income Tax Deductions for Contributions to Family and Medical Leave Benefit Accounts. 
  • H.B. 5109, An Act Establishing a Tax Credit Program for Employers Who Offer On-Site Child Day Care Options for Employees. 
  • H.B. 5121, An Act Establishing a Tax Credit for Dependent Child Care Costs. 
The legislature’s Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee voted to draft all three bills, and they will be scheduled for a public hearing.

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