Paid family leave refers to taking time off from work to care for a sick parent or child and continuing to get paid. In Vermont, where the average pay is less than in other states, people need this bill for family leaves more than ever. 

Things get complicated when the debate starts around whether the program should be mandatory or voluntary. Republican Governor Scott wants to pass it as a voluntary bill and says the reform is essential but understands that forcing it on everyone would result in a negative response. The opposition wants to pass it as mandatory and claims that if enough people don't opt for the program, it could result in an adverse reaction, and the benefit wouldn't be worth the cost.

If passed as mandatory, all employees in Vermont will have to pay an additional 0.2% payroll tax, around $30 million per year, something average employees might struggle with. The people of Vermont certainly cannot afford to pay for something they may not even deem essential.           

Consider a hard-working person and their hard-working mother, both in good health and who don't need the family leaves benefit. They support the bill being passed for those who need it. Unfortunately, it was made mandatory. The additional tax cuts into their grocery budget and small luxuries are now inaccessible because the government decided to 'divide everything equally.' It's unfair to that family and those who don't need this bill; if it's mandatory, everyone will have to pay the price.

The importance of this paid family leave bill cannot be understated. Many American families consist of single parents or sick grandparents. At the same time, it's vital to let people decide for themselves; chances are, many will opt for the program themselves. Forcing this additional tax on citizens will undoubtedly result in negative feelings toward the government, something no one wants right now.