Progress, Promise and Peril: The Imperative to Continue Workplace Policy Gains in 2017
by Debra L. Ness | Jan 9, 2017 | Fair Pay
The nation is poised for progress, but it will only come if lawmakers recognize that strengthening our economy will require paying as much attention to the kinds of jobs that are available as they pay to creating or keeping jobs in the United States.
A National Paid Leave Plan Must Check All the Boxes
by Vicki Shabo | Dec 12, 2016 | Paid Leave
Lawmakers must not forget the principles that make a sound, effective policy — or the stories of people that illustrate why they are so important.
Taking a Principled Approach to the Provision of LARCs
by Monica Simpson | Dec 9, 2016 | Reproductive Rights
There has been increased attention and funding in recent years for long-acting reversible contraceptive methods (LARCs). While LARCs are part of a well-balanced mix of contraceptive options, there are concerning practices when it comes to who is targeted for long-acting methods and the way in which counseling is provided.
Most Women in the Fast Food Industry Can’t Earn Paid Sick Days, Have Gone to Work Sick
by Christine Sloane | Nov 22, 2016 | Paid Sick Days
Data from a new national survey reveal seven in 10 women working in the fast food industry say they have gone to work with symptoms of illness. Only 14 percent of women in the industry, and a mere 6 percent of women who are paid less than $9 per hour, say they have access to paid sick days.
Voters in Arizona and Washington Choose Paid Sick Days
by Vicki Shabo | Nov 16, 2016 | Paid Sick Days
Capping off an already historic year of progress for paid sick days, voters in Arizona and Washington approved ballot measures last week that will mean the nation will soon have seven statewide paid sick days laws. Thirty-nine jurisdictions now do – or will soon – guarantee workers the right to earn paid sick time, and efforts to protect and build upon these victories has become even more important.
The Bottom Drops Out
by Debra L. Ness | Nov 11, 2016 | Reproductive Rights
Sometimes life tests you in ways you never expected. The election that shocked the nation dealt a stunning blow to our efforts to make this country more fair, family friendly and healthy.
10 Reasons Why Millennials Like Me Should Push for Paid Leave
by Julia Kortrey | Nov 7, 2016 | Paid Leave
Millennial voices are too often missing from the national conversation about paid leave. Here’s why that must change.
Affordable Health Care and Paid Sick Days Go Hand in Hand
by Christine Sloane | Nov 4, 2016 | Paid Sick Days
This week marks the start of open enrollment under the Affordable Care Act – a historic advance that has made more affordable, comprehensive health insurance coverage available to millions more consumers. But increasing access to health coverage addresses only one barrier to health care in this country. Paid sick days access is essential too.
Don’t Be Deterred or Misled – You Can Sign Up for Affordable Health Coverage Now!
by Lauren Birchfield Kennedy | Nov 2, 2016 | ACA
In this election season, the importance of advancing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has become even clearer. Yesterday marked the start of the open enrollment season for plan year 2017. As is always the case, open enrollment provides a critically important chance for individuals and families to sign up for affordable health insurance plans.
This Congress Should Take The Opportunity To Make Progress For Pregnant Workers
by Debra L. Ness | Oct 31, 2016 | Pregnancy Discrimination
When Congress reconvenes, members will have a chance to show America’s families that progress is possible. Rather than continuing a dismal record of inaction, they should use this lame duck session to move the country forward.
A Double Bind Punishes Low-Income Families as Lawmakers Deny Women Abortion Coverage and Fail to Support Parenting
by Debra L. Ness | Sep 30, 2016 | Reproductive Rights
Sometimes it’s hard to fathom the ways laws and policies evolve in this country, with little coherence and an often-painful disregard for their impact. Today marks 40 years of the Hyde Amendment. It may be impossible to fully grasp the extraordinary harm this punitive policy has done.
A Double Bind: When States Deny Abortion Coverage and Fail to Support Expecting and New Parents
by National Partnership Staff | Sep 27, 2016 | Reproductive Rights
It’s the most basic of rights and foundational to our ability to thrive: Every person should have the freedom to decide if, when and how to raise a family. But for many women struggling to make ends meet, this is not reality.

