Paid family leave supports families in caring for loved ones, from welcoming a new child to managing health challenges. Yet in the United States, many working-class and financially vulnerable families still lack access to this essential benefit.
In December 2023, bipartisan working groups in the U.S. House and Senate proposed a multi-pillared approach to paid family leave and are actively exploring ways to expand access. These efforts seek to close existing gaps and ensure more families receive the support they need during pivotal life moments.
CPJ’s strategic advisor Rachel Anderson analyzed state-level paid family leave policies in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Washington state, highlighting unique lessons from each approach and their implications for future policymaking.
