Coming out of the State Paid Leave National Convening in Washington, D.C. in late-May, I’m struck by both how far the paid family and medical leave (PFML) movement has come and how much work still lies ahead.
Over two days, advocates, policymakers, and coalition leaders from across the country came together to share wins and dig into what it really takes to move policy forward. From sessions on recent state successes to discussions about the “next wins,” the focus was consistently on learning from one another and building momentum across states.
From Massachusetts to Indiana, advocates share strategies shaped by their states’ unique political and cultural landscapes—proving there is no single path to advancing paid leave.
One of the clearest through lines was that progress takes time. Leaders from states such as Minnesota, Virginia, and Maine spoke about years – sometimes more than a decade – of sustained effort to get policies passed. Those efforts were rooted in strong coalitions, relationship-building and a willingness to stay engaged even when progress felt slow.
At the same time, passing a policy is not the finish line. Several conversations reinforced that implementation brings its own challenges, including ongoing opposition and confusion about how PFML programs actually work. And as the Voices for Healthy Kids team, which staffs the NCIT, always says – messaging matters. We heard repeatedly that if advocates don’t clearly explain how paid leave works and why it benefits both families and businesses, others will fill that gap.
Explore the NCIT Paid Family and Medical Leave Advocacy Toolkit to learn more about strategies, messaging, and resources to advance paid leave efforts in your state.
Advocates from Ohio highlight how state-level progress contributes to broader national momentum and builds energy for future federal action.
For states that are still building toward passage, there is no single roadmap. During breakout discussions, participants shared a wide range of approaches shaped by their political and cultural realities. Some are pursuing incremental strategies, while others are advocating for comprehensive legislation. Across the board, there was strong emphasis on engaging unexpected allies, building bipartisan relationships early, and elevating business voices alongside worker and caregiver stories.
Storytelling continues to be one of the most powerful tools. States that have made progress are intentionally collecting and sharing stories from parents, caregivers, and workers to make the issue real. Those stories cut through policy complexity and help people see themselves in the need for paid leave.
Explore the Communicating the Case for PN-3: A Research-Informed Messaging Guide to access tested messaging strategies and insights to strengthen your work.
State-specific advocacy efforts underscore a growing, nationwide movement to expand paid leave and ensure families don’t have to choose between health and a paycheck.
One of my biggest takeaways is how much more work we need to do around public education. The reality is that most people will need paid leave at some point in their lives, but many only understand it through their own limited experiences. If we want to see continued momentum, we have to help people better understand what paid leave is, how it works, and why it matters.
The convening also highlighted how state-level progress is connecting to broader national efforts. A press conference featuring state and federal leaders underscored how recent wins are helping build energy for federal action. At the same time, it reinforced the importance of continuing to build broad, bipartisan support if we want to sustain that momentum.
I left D.C. feeling energized by the collaboration and the shared commitment across states. This is complex, long-term work, but the movement is growing. By continuing to learn from one another and build strong coalitions, we are moving closer to a future where no one has to choose between their health, their family, and their paycheck.
Ashlea Christiansen., J.D., is a policy advisor for Voices for Healthy Kids, which staffs the National Collaborative for Infants & Toddlers (NCIT). As a licensed Kentucky attorney, she brings experience in government affairs, compliance, and public relations across health care and criminal justice. When not working, she enjoys scuba diving, hiking and spending time, with her rescue animals at her renovated barn house.
