Exactly one year ago last week, Gov. Janet Mills signed a historic budget that included the creation of a paid family and medical leave program, making Maine the 13th state to establish one. This anniversary serves as a celebration of progress and gives us a chance to reflect on the transformational potential of this policy.

Despite the program not yet being implemented, the work is well underway, as is the promise of a future where families are supported during significant life moments without sacrificing a paycheck.

The work towards implementing paid family and medical leave has been a testament to the power of advocacy and community-driven change. Our coalition has been part of paid family and medical leave efforts since 2019, organizing a powerful constituency of Mainers who worked tirelessly to make this program a reality.

As did the bill’s sponsors, Sen. Mattie Daughtry and Rep. Kristen Cloutier, who championed the needs of working families and successfully navigated the complex and often arcane legislative processes. Their tenacity and dedication were integral to this hard-fought victory.

Gov. Mills herself was crucial, for both her personal understanding of the challenges that come with caretaking, and her insistence that this policy be tailored to Maine, to balance the unique and disparate needs of Maine families and businesses.

Paid family and medical leave is about resilience and compassion. It acknowledges that life’s challenges – from welcoming a new child to caring for an ailing family member – are universal experiences that require support. By providing financial assistance and job security during these critical times, the program aims to create a healthier, stronger Maine, where everyone can thrive.

Ultimately, paid family and medical leave will benefit not only employees, but employers, too. Upon implementation, every Maine business can provide paid family leave and enjoy the benefits of higher retention rates, improved worker morale and increased productivity.

The impact of this legislation extends far beyond policy. It underscores Maine’s values of fairness and solidarity and makes Maine a place where we really do look out for one another. It tells workers that their well-being matters, that their families’ needs are valued and that the state stands behind them during life’s most trying moments.

The program’s impending arrival is already shaping conversations and expectations. Businesses are preparing to adapt to the new requirements, the Maine Department of Labor is engaged in rulemaking and families are planning for a future where they can navigate life’s unpredictabilities without the fear of financial ruin.

The road to implementing paid family and medical leave is a complex one, requiring meticulous planning, exhaustive stakeholder engagement and strong financial oversight. While the years between passage and access will seem long, they remind us that change does not happen overnight – and that the eventual launch of this program will be all the better for the groundwork laid in its preparation.

In just a few short years, the success of Maine’s paid family and medical leave program will be measured not just in numbers and statistics, but in stories of families who were able to be present for themselves and their loved ones when they were needed most.

Our coalition looks forward with optimism and determination. We will continue to advocate for policies that promote dignity, equity and resilience. And we are resolved to build on this foundation to create a future where paid family and medical leave is not just a benefit for Maine families, but a fundamental right for all Americans.

This one year anniversary is a milestone worth celebrating, a reminder of what can be achieved when we work together. And as we eagerly await the program’s launch, we’ll remember the hard work, compassion and solidarity that led to this moment.