Throughout the country, Ness said, workers need the chance to earn paid sick days so they can “recover from illness and care for sick children and family members.”

Debra L. Ness, president of the National Partnership for Women & Families, praised Obama for addressing the issue, but said he can do more to promote pay equity.

“The way people experience these issues isn’t necessarily in buckets,” said Vicki Shabo, director of work and family programs at the National Partnership for Women and Families. “The same person may be paid less than her male co-worker and therefore can’t afford child care, and when her kid gets sick she can’t take leave.”

On the other hand, Vicki Shabo of the National Partnership for Women and Families says paid leave can be a lifesaver for workers. She says more women than ever are breadwinners for their families even as they remain the primary caregiver.