On December 10, Kohn Professor Luke Shaefer testified before the Michigan State Senate Committee on Housing and Human Services about a new state-level paid family leave program. Shaefer pointed to a recent study by University of Michigan Poverty Solutions about the economic and health impacts of paid family leave on workers, families, and employers.
"Thirteen states and the District of Columbia have now passed state paid family and medical leave laws, giving us more evidence about their impacts after implementation at the state level," Shaefer said.
“That evidence leads us to conclude that paid parental leave, caregiving leave, and medical leave have demonstrated positive economic impacts and positive health impacts for employees and their families. Studies find that paid parental leaves can support better postpartum recovery for moms, which is not only beneficial to their wellbeing, but also contributes to longer run, improved family financial health. These policies also support a healthy start in life for babies, and thus are an important investment in the next generation,” Shaefer said.
Members of the Senate Housing and Human Services Committee on Thursday voted to advance policy creating a state-level paid family leave program. The bill now moves to the Senate Floor.
The Poverty Solutions report, "Economic and Health Impacts of Paid Parental, Caregiving, and Medical Leave: A review of existing literature," is co-authored by Shaefer, Betsey Stevenson, and Karen A. Kling.
Read more about the issue in Michigan Advance.
