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State laws expand paid leave access in 42 states and D.C.
Forty-two states and the District of Columbia have expanded workers' access to paid leave since 2020. Virginia recently enacted a law requiring most employers to provide paid sick leave.
May 21, 4:53 PM·1m read1 source
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Forty-two states plus the District of Columbia have moved to expand workers' access to paid leave since 2020, according to a new analysis shared first with Semafor. Among them is Virginia, where officials signed a law this week that requires most employers to provide paid sick leave.
Background on federal policy The United States, which is the only wealthy nation without a national paid leave policy, enacted a temporary one during COVID. Opposition from moderates ultimately forced Democrats to drop the permanent version from their spending package.
State efforts and advocacy Advocates hope the growing patchwork of state policies will put pressure on Washington to act, particularly if Democrats win a majority this fall. "The momentum for paid leave since Build Back Better hasn't died, it's multiplied," Paid Leave for All's Dawn Huckelbridge told Semafor.
" Rep. " Dawn Huckelbridge said state-level changes are intended to create momentum for federal action.
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