Like many of my fellow Mainers, I have experienced times when I’ve needed to take an extended amount of time off from work. In my case it was due to injuries, but it could also be because of an illness, welcoming a new child, or taking care of a sick relative.

In these difficult circumstances nobody should have to struggle financially in addition to emotionally or physically.

Maine has the oldest population of any state in the country, and we’re only getting older. As our parents and grandparents continue to age, they’re going to require more care from younger family members. Paid Family and Medical Leave,  which the Maine Legislature is considering, would enable people to provide that necessary care to their loved ones without experiencing severe financial hardship.

PFML has strong support statewide, as evidenced by the tens of thousands of signatures that have been collected to put the issue out to referendum if the Legislature does not pass a strong bill. I helped collect some of those signatures last November, and I met people of all ages and from all walks of life who were eager to voice their enthusiastic support for such a program.

Paid Family and Medical Leave would have enormous benefits for working people who are simply doing what needs to be done, whether it’s taking the time to recover from an injury or taking care of an elderly parent who needs some extra help.

Maine’s future would be stronger because of it.

Scott Harriman, Lewiston