EDUCATION, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, WORKING FAMILIES

The Legislature passed measures to increase the minimum wage by 50 cents in two steps over the next year and a half; allow family child care providers to jointly negotiate with the State; and amend the Family Medical Leave Laws to include siblings.

Summary of New Education, Economic Development, Working Families Laws Passed By The Maine Legislature In 2008

1697 – Minimum wage

Increases the minimum wage to $7.25 per hour in October 2008, and to $7.50 per hour in October 2009

2095 – Allow family child care providers to jointly negotiate with the State

Formally allows the state to recognize childcare providers as a bargaining unit and enter into negotiations with them

2132 - Amend the Family Medical Leave laws to include siblings

Allows an employee to take family medical leave for a sibling with a serious health condition or who dies while on active military duty if the sibling is jointly responsible with the employee for each other's common welfare