Maryland residents react to FAMLI program that will deduct money from paychecks

MARYLAND (WBFF) — Maryland residents are reacting to the new Family and Medical Leave Insurance program or FAMLI, which will soon take money out of their paychecks.

FOX45 News has been following the concerns around FAMLI as the state prepares for the program to launch Jan. 1, 2027, with both workers and employers required to start paying into the fund at that time. The state says FAMLI will provide eligible workers with up to 12 weeks of paid, job-protected leave for dealing with serious illness or caring for a family member.

People across Maryland shared their frustrations about how another payroll deduction may impact families already trying to make ends meet.

“Disheartening, it’s dishonesty, but it’s politics,” said one resident.

Others pointed out that the timing and communication around the deduction is troubling.

“I think it’s unfortunate for a lot of people, they should have told us,” said resident Aaron McCain.

Governor Wes Moore previously highlighted a state budget he described as having no new taxes or fees for 2027, but residents told WBFF that the new FAMLI deduction feels like another cost.

“Transparency is important. I think that our leaders should be straight with us. It sounds to me like we’re getting a little bit of a heads up now. I understand the feelings of some people if they feel like the rug is pulled out,” said resident Joseph Martorella.

Under FAMLI, employers with 15 or more workers must split the 0.9 percent payroll contribution with employees, so workers will pay up to 0.45 percent of their wages, up to the Social Security cap.

For a worker earning $75,000 per year, that comes out to about $337.50 annually.

A key frustration is that people will start paying in January 2027 but will not be able to access the benefits until Jan. 1, 2028, as the state says it needs a year to build the insurance fund.

For many Marylanders, though, the main question is how much more they can afford to lose from their paychecks.

“We work every day and if you’re paying taxes, your moneys already be taken out,” said resident Rayshawn P.

Maryland families and businesses now face another mandatory payroll cost for a benefit they will not be able to use until a year after they start paying for it.