We speak with Luke Monahan, Maine Paid Family & Medical Leave Director. Maine’s Paid Family & Medical Leave benefits are starting soon, in May 2026. Starting then, if you’re an eligible worker, you can take up to 12 weeks of paid time off. It is for big life events like bonding with a new baby, caring for a family member with a serious illness, recovering from your own serious health condition, supporting a family member during a military deployment, or finding safety from abuse or violence. This program is really here to give you financial peace of mind and protect your job during those truly critical life moments. Visit maine.gov/paidleave to learn more about Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave.