From Virginia to Pennsylvania, Paid Leave Reaches a Historic Tipping Point

National and state leaders, legislators, and advocates convene in Washington to chart path toward a 50 state strategy and federal policy

Washington, DC — At a time of unprecedented momentum for working families, legislators and advocates from 25 states—reflecting the growing number of states taking action on paid leave—will gather in Washington, DC. The convening will mark a historic surge in paid family and medical leave victories and launch a bold, coordinated strategy to secure protections in all 50 states and at the federal level.

At a press conference on Capitol Grounds, national and state leaders will spotlight landmark progress and outline the next phase of the movement. Speakers include Senator Jennifer Boysko and Delegate Briana Sewell from Virginia, Congresswomen Leger Fernandez and Sarah McBride, Congressmen Bobby Scott and Don Beyer, and additional policymakers and advocates at the forefront of this growing national movement from the states to Congress.

A Wave of Historic Wins

• Momentum has accelerated rapidly in recent months:
• Virginia became the first state in the South to enact paid family and medical leave
• Ohio introduced bipartisan legislation in the State Senate
• Pennsylvania passed paid family and medical leave in the State House
• Maine and Minnesota began delivering benefits under their new programs
• Colorado implemented a first-in-the-nation policy for NICU families

National paid leave partners will release the first comprehensive report documenting paid leave wins following its national campaign launch, the pandemic, and the Build Back Better negotiations, capturing dozens of victories across the state and federal level. 15 states including the District of Columbia have now enacted comprehensive paid leave policies, with additional states continuing to advance legislation and on the cusp of passage.

Centering Real Stories
This month also marks the release of Lifelines, a new documentary short co-executive produced by Olympic champion Allyson Felix and Dawn Huckelbridge of Paid Leave for All. The film highlights how state paid leave programs create critical space for families to heal, bond, and stay financially afloat in moments of profound change, underscoring the real-life impact of these policies.

A National Imperative
Paid family and medical leave passed in the United States House of Representatives in 2021—falling a vote short of becoming law. Today, it remains one of the most widely supported policies in the country, motivating and persuading voting blocs across demographics, and is a major election-year issue.

This convening hosted by the National Partnership for Women and Families, Family Values @ Work, Paid Leave for All, and Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) marks a pivotal moment: a unified push to transform state-by-state progress into a national guarantee for every worker in America. Event Details:

• Date: May 21
• Time: 10:00 – 11:00 am
• Location: Capitol Grounds

Media RSVP: Adrianne Wright at Adrianne@think-rosie.com