Committee cuts paid family leave marketing funds but keeps MetLife administration intact

The House Finance Committee on March 19 approved an amendment that removes state-funded marketing and promotional funding for the paid family leave program while preserving the program’s administration and benefits paid through MetLife.

Representative Cambroes (mover) and Representative Ebel (second) presented the amendment to remove the marketing line items in HB 2 and corresponding entries in HB 1. Committee staff confirmed that the cut is limited to promotion and marketing expenses and would not terminate the program nor end existing participation by state employees or other employers. Representative Yield (floor discussion) said the change eliminates state resources to promote the program but does not remove administrative class 60 funds paid to MetLife.

Committee members discussed whether marketing funding included any administration or implementation services; staff and sponsors said the change was intended to remove promotional expenses only. Representative Campbell and others emphasized that the program’s core is preserved and MetLife can continue to administer benefits under the existing contract.

The committee adopted the amendment (house bill 2 amendment 13-44 H and the HB1 changes on page 21). The committee recorded a recorded vote of 7 in favor and 1 opposed on the package.

The decision leaves the private carrier in place and shifts any future program promotion away from state-funded outreach resources; committee members asked staff to confirm that no required administrative functions would be lost by the funding change.