Economics and Politics of Work-Family Policy: The Case for a State Family Leave Insurance Program

Publication Date:

Publisher: Center for Economic and Policy Research

Author(s): Karen White; Eileen Appelbaum

Research Area: Labor

Keywords: Household income; Dual income household; Child care

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

In today’s precarious economic climate, most parents need to work to sustain a family household budget. Yet many working families struggle to balance the needs at work and home, particularly in meeting caregiving responsibilities. Many states have begun considering laws that allow families to better care for themselves without fear of losing pay, or their jobs. At the state and national levels, lawmakers are increasingly implementing policies that address family and medical leave, paid sick days, family leave insurance, and temporary disability insurance programs. This policy brief focuses on family leave insurance, encompassing the opportunities and challenges for state advocates working toward this policy that supports working families.