LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: What You Need To Know

The United States is the only developed nation in the world without a paid family leave policy. Approximately sixty percent of workers have access to unpaid leave through the Family Medical Leave Act but too often workers are unable to afford to take unpaid time off. Workers that have access to paid leave typically have it through their private sector employer or some government agencies.

States are increasingly adopting their own policies to ensure their workers can care for their families or themselves without risking their financial security. Currently, there are 14 states with paid family leave laws and 7 more that are working to pass legislation including our neighbors in Michigan and Pennsylvania.

Only 23% of Ohioans have access to paid family leave in Ohio. The Time to Care Ohio Coalition is working to advance a statewide policy that provides this much needed benefit to Ohio workers. This policy, if passed, would provide a partial salary to workers who need to take time away from work to care for a new child (parental leave), a seriously ill family member (caregiving leave) or themselves (personal medical leave).

We know from other states with these policies that paid family leave is good for employers and employees. It promotes maternal and infant health for all families; reduces turnover, increases productivity, and protects small and mid-sized businesses from bearing the full cost of a paid leave program; and provides freedom for low-wage workers, who are the least likely to have access to paid leave.

Paid family leave is a commonsense law that is good for families and communities. Please join us in advocating for paid family leave in Ohio! Ohio workers have earned it.

We will keep you informed when there are actions to take.