Businesses, economies and families benefit from paid family and medical leave; so could the entire U.S.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 3, 2025 – According to new research from the National Partnership for Women & Families (NPWF), paid family and medical leave has had a positive impact in 14 states, setting the standard for what a national policy could look like.
“Paid Leave Means a Stronger Nation” is NPWF’s annual look at state policies on paid leave. This year’s analysis found that the following states with paid leave policies are helping support its diverse workforce, including women-owned businesses and parents with small children.
“In the absence of a comprehensive federal paid leave policy for all workers, states like Connecticut have been leading the way,” said Jocelyn C. Frye, president of the National Partnership for Women & Families. “While paid leave that every worker in this country can access is long overdue, significant progress is being made at the state level. These gains show that passing a national paid leave program is very much within reach. It’s no longer a matter of if it will be enacted – but when. Until that day arrives, the National Partnership and our fellow advocates will continue to fight to make the United States a leader on the issue of paid family leave.”
NPWF’s new report comes ahead of the anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) on February 5. The FMLA grants 12 weeks of unpaid leave to workers to care for themselves, a newborn, a newly adopted child or a seriously ill family member.
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Read the state-specific press releases for the following states with paid leave: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Washington.
Media Contact:
Gail Zuagar
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