Brief Paid Family Leave in the United States
Subtitle
Time for a New National Policy
Julia B. Isaacs, Olivia Healy, H. Elizabeth Peters
Display Date
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With both Republicans and Democrats talking about paid family leave, the time is ripe for a new national policy. This brief shows that the current patchwork of public and private policies does not meet the needs of working mothers. Positive outcomes from paid family leave are emerging from three existing state programs. Yet, policy choices must be made to refine and implement a national program of paid family leave. Who should be covered, and how should benefits be funded? The brief concludes by highlighting implementation choices that must be made as policymakers consider plans for a national paid leave policy.

Research Areas Economic mobility and inequality Health and health care Families Social safety net Children and youth
Tags Families with low incomes Children's health and development Maternal, child, and reproductive health Workers in low-wage jobs Labor force Social determinants of health Kids in context Family and medical leave Paid leave
Policy Centers Center on Labor, Human Services, and Population