In 2023, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed legislation that will initiate a Paid Family Leave program in the state, beginning in 2026. This law, built upon years of advocacy and succeeded following the Democratic-Farmer-Labor party’s control of the Senate, House, and gubernatorial position in the state, offers up to 12 weeks of paid medical and family leave for employees. Covered reasons for leave encompass bonding with a new child, caring for a family member in need, supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, or handling matters related to active-duty deployments. In total, the law allows a maximum of 20 weeks available if someone requires both medical and family leave.

On the federal level, however, efforts to establish a similar policy have stalled despite proposals put forth by Democrats, such as the Family Act and part of President Joe Biden’s Build Back Better proposal. Opposition from Republicans and some Democrats, like Senator Joe Manchin, citing concerns about cost, have been key blocks to the bills’ progression.

This sort of opposition does not only present itself in congress: statewide political disputes have arisen in places like Michigan, where a Republican memo referred to a Democratic family leave proposal as a new tax to pay for summer break for adults. The national Family and Medical Leave Act, established in 1993, mandates 12 weeks of unpaid leave for new parents or caretakers of newly adopted children if employed by a company with 50 or more employees, but has not extended to cover paid leave.

As yet, a federal law providing for paid family leave has not passed, despite popular support shown in polls. The catch is, as stated by Senator Bill Cassidy, how do you pay for it, , indicating the longstanding debate over budgeting these programs.

If you are a Californian looking to get more information on Paid Family Leave (PFL), you are encouraged to reach out to the Employment Development Department (EDD). However, due to high call volumes, reaching out to EDD can sometimes be challenging. That’s where EddCaller comes in. This service aids Californians in getting ahold of EDD customer service faster, making the process of discussing your Paid Family Leave less daunting. Visit eddcaller.com for more information on how to get a hold of Paid Family Leave.