Paid leave becomes more popular

One-third of private sector workers across the U.S. now have access to paid and family medical leave through state programs. The National Partnership for Women & Families says 14 states have now enacted paid leave laws affecting 46 million workers. Several states expanded their programs during the pandemic, including Rhode Island and California. Though most workers don’t take advantage of paid leave — in Washington state, for example, only 3% of eligible workers take leave, and those who do tend to use it to care for a child — surveys across the country show overwhelming support. Virginia is on the verge of passing its own law, and the report says if five other states where paid leave is gaining momentum passed programs, the number of workers covered nationwide would rise to 44%.