A record share of U.S. workers now have access to paid leave

2 days ago

A third of American workers now have access to government-issued paid leave, the highest share ever.
The U.S. lacks a federal paid leave policy, leading states to pass 14 paid leave laws since 2002, covering 32% of private-sector workers.
State programs vary, with some offering expanded benefits like leave for neonatal care, domestic violence survivors, or organ donors.
Paid leave laws exist in 13 blue states and D.C., benefiting 46 million workers, with disparities in access for workers of color and low-wage earners.
Advocates highlight paid leave as an equalizer, especially for women and low-wage workers who face caregiving and financial challenges.
Six more states (Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Virginia) are considering paid leave bills, potentially increasing coverage to 44% of workers.
Federal efforts have stalled, though bipartisan interest exists, with Republicans and Democrats divided on policy specifics.
Critics argue state-by-state approaches create inequities, as some states may never pass paid leave without federal action.

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