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In a move that is set to benefit Connecticut employees, the state government announced today a significant change to its paid family leave policy. As of November 28, 2025, all employees in the state will now be eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid leave to care for a newborn child, adoptive child, or seriously ill family member.This new policy represents a significant improvement over the previous system, which only provided 6 weeks of paid leave for the same circumstances. The decision to extend the period of paid leave was made in response to feedback from employees and advocacy groups who noted that 6 weeks was often insufficient to adequately care for a new addition to the family or to provide necessary care for a seriously ill loved one.Speaking about the change, Governor Amy Smith stated, "We believe that it is important to support our employees during significant life events, such as the birth of a child or the need to care for a family member in need. By extending the period of paid leave to 12 weeks, we are ensuring that employees have the time they need to focus on their families without the added stress of financial instability."In addition to the extension of paid leave, the state government also announced that it would be increasing the weekly benefit amount for employees taking paid family leave. Previously, employees were entitled to 60% of their regular weekly wages while on leave, but this will now be increased to 70%.The changes to the paid family leave policy in Connecticut have been welcomed by employee advocacy groups and workers across the state. Many believe that the extended period of paid leave and increased benefit amount will provide much-needed support to employees during important life events.Employers in Connecticut are advised to update their HR policies to reflect these changes and to ensure that employees are aware of their rights under the new paid family leave policy. The state government has also launched an information campaign to educate employees about the new policy and how to access their benefits.Overall, the changes to the paid family leave policy in Connecticut represent a significant step forward in supporting employees and their families during times of need. With the extended period of paid leave and increased benefit amount, employees can now focus on their families without the added worry of financial strain.