Maine legislators will start the new year with bigger paychecks thanks to a law previously approved that increases pay for part-time lawmakers by more than 60%.

Starting this month, the salaries of lawmakers will increase from $25,000 to $50,000 for their two-year term.

The increases, which are expected to cost approximately $1.7 million in this year’s budget, will be phased-in over the next two. The first regular session ends on June 18 and the second regular session ends on April 15 2026. The lawmakers will also get an annual cost of living adjustment, as well as allowances for food and lodging. They can also claim reimbursements for their commute to the state capital.

According to data from the state, Maine reimbursed lawmakers $1.7 million during the 2023 legislative sessions.

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In 2023, the pay increases were approved as part of a law that increased the Governor’s salary to $125,000 in 2028. Under state law, Gov. Janet Mills cannot benefit from pay increases.

According to the National Governors Association, Maine’s Governor has the lowest pay in the nation. The last time it was increased was in 1987.

Maine’s workers will also see their pay shrink as of the new year, when a new payroll-tax that funds the new paid family leave and medical leave program in the state goes into effect.

Workers can now take up to twelve weeks of paid time off per year. This includes leave for a serious illness, the birth of a baby, or for a medical condition. Businesses with 15 employees or more will share the cost of the new 1% payroll taxes. More than 90% of state workers will be affected by the new tax.

Republicans plan to introduce emergency legislation to defund paid leave, which was approved by the Democratic-controlled state legislature and the control of the Republicans.

In a press release, the primary sponsor of the proposal, State Rep. Joshua Morris (R-Turner), said that “Mainers still deal with the effects” of the Democrats’ out-of touch policies on big government. “Republicans have to fight harder than ever before against these expensive bad ideas, and for Maine’s workforce.”