Colorado paid family and medical depart measure qualifies for November poll

A poll asking Colorado voters to approve a nationwide program of family and sick leave insurance will go to the polls in November.

Initiative 283 supporters submitted more than 205,000 signatures – well over the 124,632 required – to qualify for the vote, the Colorado Secretary of State’s office reported Tuesday.

The initiative is the 10th to make it onto the ballot. The Colorado Secretary of State’s office is currently reviewing the petition for another possible action.

Proponents of the paid family and sick leave program pointed out the benefits of such a program at a virtual press conference Tuesday, saying the measure would give more than 2.6 million Coloradans access to up to 12 weeks of paid vacation. Employers and their employees would each pay a fee of 0.45% of the employee’s wages, or employers could pay more of the cost.

Some companies that offer private plans might opt ​​out, and companies with 10 employees or fewer would not have to pay any fees. The program would begin in 2023.