Pending Paid Family and Medical Leave Starts Charging in 2019

Although Washington state's paid family and medical leave program will not officially start until 2020, we are going to begin paying for it now.

The new program will provide up to 12 weeks of paid leave in the event of a qualifying medical event, such as birth of a child, long-term or serious illness or incident, or even military related events.

Washington state is the 5th state to implement such a policy, but officials have to start stockpiling money now in advance of the kickoff in 2020.

It will show up on your paystub. Using a $50K annual salary, if that's what you make, it will cost you and additional $2.44 per week from your check, or about $10;50 a month.

The program will administered through the Employment Security Department.

Officials strongly suggest you consult with your work accountant or HR department for more information.