Most workers (78 percent) who are eligible for a leave under FMLA cannot afford to take unpaid leave for extended periods, thus they are forced to continue working while compromising the urgent needs of their family or their own serious medical condition. Working in collaboration with advocates and policy makers, NELP has actively promoted alternative policies that provide paid family leave in the states and at the federal level.  NELP resources are available documenting those policies that help expand the protections of FMLA by providing paid family and medical leave.

Americans Need a Raise and a Break: Promoting Family & Medical Leave  This NELP research report discusses how to promote family leave at the local and state levels.