Women's eNews (https://womensenews.org/tag/paid_family_leave/)
Family leave laws, which have been moving forward locally across the country, drew national attention at both parties’ conventions. But with a federal bill languishing in Washington, the focus is on congressional elections and coalitions working at the grassroots.
It is being hailed as the most progressive state policy so far, going further than New Jersey, California and Rhode Island in various respects. But its showcase potential won’t be tested until the program gets going in 2018.
This Congress won’t pass it. But with support building on the ground and lessons learned from local legislation, we’re ready as a nation. Now we need a presidential candidate–most likely a woman–who can make paid family leave a priority.
No better time than Labor Day to take a new critical look at the nation’s first Paid Family Leave Act. I hailed our state’s law in this space over a year ago. Today I want to backtrack and emphasize the crying need for awareness and implementation.
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Voting this year can help stop recent setbacks of women’s rights, says Martha Burk in her book “Your Voice, Your Vote: The Savvy Woman’s Guide to Power, Politics and the Change We Need.” But before heading to the ballot box, press candidates and arm yourself with knowledge.