Article Summary –
The article highlights the lack of a national paid family and medical leave program in the United States, leading some states to implement their own initiatives that aim to support both families and the economy. States like Minnesota, Colorado, and Virginia have been recognized for their inclusive and comprehensive leave policies, with Virginia recently enacting a law to cover over three million workers, marking a significant step for the South. The Century Foundation and the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities emphasize the benefits such programs offer, including improved worker retention, productivity, and economic security for families, while also noting the importance of paid sick leave laws in 18 states to ensure workers can care for themselves and their families without financial strain.
The United States remains one of the few nations without a national paid family and medical leave program. Some states are bridging this gap, providing leave initiatives that advocates assert are beneficial for both families and the economy.
The Century Foundation, a progressive think tank, has ranked states on their paid family and medical leave programs in its report “Care Matters: A 2026 Report Card on Care Affordability and Access.”
Top-ranking states include Minnesota, Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Oregon, and Virginia. These states excel in covering all workers, defining family inclusively, and offering leave for various caregiving needs, with benefits extending beyond 12 weeks.
“Such leave is crucial for bonding with newborns and caring for serious illnesses,” the Century Foundation states. It’s essential for family health and economic security when work isn’t possible due to health needs.
According to the Bipartisan Policy Center, fourteen states, alongside Washington, D.C., have paid family leave programs. These include California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, Delaware, and Massachusetts. Virginia’s recent legislation, signed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger, marks it as the latest to adopt paid leave.
Federally, the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 permits 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave, but lacks a paid leave requirement.
Virginia is the first Southern state with paid leave, covering over three million workers, as stated in a press release from Spanberger’s office. “This law ensures Virginians can care for family without losing pay,” Spanberger emphasized, highlighting the importance of balancing family time and financial obligations.
Spanberger noted the law’s potential to aid small- and mid-sized businesses in offering benefits. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities highlighted the benefits of paid leave for businesses in a 2021 report, citing improved retention and productivity.
The Century Foundation also evaluated states on paid sick days and safe days policies. Colorado, Minnesota, New Mexico, California, and Michigan scored highest, with policies covering most workers, inclusive family definitions, and safe days inclusion.
“Employees should confidently take time off for health needs without income loss,” the Century Foundation wrote.
A total of 18 states have paid sick day laws, including Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. The District of Columbia also mandates paid sick leave.
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