Washington State Makes History -- a Victory for Paid Family Leave

This afternoon, Washington Governor Chris Gregoire signed the paid family leave legislation that grants up to five weeks of paid leave a year to care for a newborn or newly adopted child. The following is a press statement by Debra Ness, President, National Partnership for Women & Families:

“By enacting paid family leave legislation today, Washington took an important step toward becoming a more family-friendly state -- and America is one step closer to becoming a nation in which no worker has to choose between a paycheck and caring for a family member.

Washington’s paid parental leave law is the next step in a growing national trend. To date, paid family leave bills have been introduced in 27 state legislatures, including Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Oregon.

By signing the bill into law, Governor Gregoire made a powerful statement in support of working families. We commend State Senator Karen Keiser, Representative Mary Lou Dickerson, and Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown for responding to their citizens’ needs and blazing a trail for workers. The hard work by the Washington Family Leave Coalition, led by the Economic Opportunity Institute, will benefit Washington families for years to come. It is high time for more states and the federal government to follow.”