Greater access to paid leave is a priority for the Obama administration, and the U.S. Department of Labor's Women's Bureau has earmarked $1.25 million for research into how paid leave programs can be implemented in states and municipalities across the country.   A number of state and local governments have already adopted or are now considering paid leave legislation.  The issue has been raised by the Hawaii legislature, but a paid leave bill has yet to pass.

 

The DOL's federal grant program will enable further research into feasibility, economic impact, financing and outreach issues related to the development of paid leave programs.  This is done with the intent of encouraging jurisdictions to take action to develop the administrative and financial infrastructure necessary to implement paid leave programs, especially for low-wage workers who cannot afford to take unpaid time off for medical or caregiving purposes.