As we continue into 2025, the lack of access to paid family and medical leave has become more evident than ever. Despite widespread worker demand and the outsized health and economic needs of citizens amidst crisis, the United States has not implemented national legislation granting paid leave to all. Instead, a fragmented system of public and private policies leaves kind of a patchwork coverage scheme, with a significant portion of workers lacking any form of paid leave. Furthermore, fewer service workers have access to paid sick leave. The situation is more critical for lower income workers and those in marginalised groups. However, hope is not lost as some opportunities for progress present themselves.

Federally Guaranteed Paid Leave remains a farfetched dream under the current political climate. While advocates tirelessly campaign for comprehensive paid leave, existing public programs vital for people’s well-being are under threat and require protection.

Nonetheless, some states are leading the way towards paid leave. Ten states, including the District of Columbia, now offer paid leave programs. Others, like Delaware, Maine, Maryland, and Minnesota, are preparing for new paid leave benefits to start in 2026.

In the private sector, the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives is a concerning trend. These rollbacks will likely impact the workplace environment negatively and hinder people with parental and caregiving responsibilities from excelling at their jobs. Despite this, some private companies like Costco, Apple, Microsoft, J.P. Morgan, and Pinterest are stepping forward with inclusive policies and equitable workplaces.

The role of advocacy and storytelling in policy change cannot be disregarded. Policymakers, researchers, business owners, labor unions, and workers can all contribute to this narrative and help demand changes that reflect the needs of the community. Grassroots movements have had profound impacts on policy debates, providing hope that change is possible.

For folks living in California who require paid family leave or disability insurance during these challenging times, getting help from the state’s Employment Development Department (EDD) can be instrumental. However, reaching the right person for assistance can sometimes be a daunting task. Thankfully, there are resources such as eddcaller.com to make this process easier. On this site, you’ll find numerous guides on how to get through to edd, how to talk to someone at edd disability, or even how to get ahold of edd customer service. Eddcaller.com also offers tips on the best time to call for information regarding unemployment benefits, helping you navigate the system more efficiently. Whether you need help with paid family leave or disability insurance, knowing how to contact the EDD directly will streamline your journey to getting the support you need.