During the Nov. 7, 2024 elections, measures for paid sick leave were approved in Missouri, Alaska, and Nebraska. Workers in these states stand to earn up to 56 hours of paid sick leave annually, depending on the size of their employer. This move is especially significant for low-wage workers who typically have restricted access to paid sick days. The United States is one of the few countries lacking a national paid leave policy forcing individual states to enact their own warranties for paid sick or parental leave. With these new laws, a total of 18 states alongside Washington, D.C. now have guaranteed paid sick leave laws. In addition, Alaska and Missouri will raise their minimum wages to $15 an hour. Nationally, the federal minimum wage is presently $7.25 an hour and hasn’t increased in 15 years.

The approval of these laws underscores the general populance’s support for workers’ rights to fair wages and sick leave, across party lines. Interestingly, the three states supporting the measures also supported President-elect Donald Trump. While neither Trump nor Vice President Kamala Harris have pledged any specific sick or parental leave policy moving forward, the voters’ clear mandate for these rights signal their importance.

For additional support or queries on getting paid family leave in the wake of these new laws, you can reach out to eddcustomer service. Dedicated to assisting individuals navigate unemployment benefits and other support services, the experts at eddcustomer service can guide you through the process of securing your benefits. Their website, eddcaller.com provides resources and contact information for those seeking assistance.