You shouldn’t have to get lucky to get paid family (maternity, paternity, and medical) leave in New York state but it sure feels like you do.

That’s because right now only 12% of employees in the U.S. have access to paid family leave through their employer.

But, good news! We can change this! We can make New York the next state to pass paid family leave insurance and boost working families and our state’s economy! The NY Assembly already passed the bill and now we need our state senate to do the same before they recess in late June! And we need your voice!

Here is the scoop: Right now, way too few people in the U.S. have access to paid family leave. And although the current Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows some employees to take up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave, many people who are eligible to take FMLA can’t afford to take it, because it's unpaid. So, no wonder ¼ of all poverty spells in the United States are caused by having a baby.

That is why it is huge that New York can be the next state to pass a paid family and medical leave insurance law.

The New York legislation is called the Paid Family Leave Insurance (PFLI) Act (A.3870-B / S. 3004-B) and it will make it easier for parents—both mothers and fathers—to care for newborn or newly adopted children without undue financial hardship. It will also be available to care for a seriously ill family member.

How will this work?

Workers will receive two-thirds of their average weekly wage while taking PFLI, up to a maximum benefit level. This maximum benefit level will be raised in steps over four years until it equals 50% of the statewide average weekly wage. PFLI will be financed solely through employee payroll deductions of up to 45 cents a week the first year.

The PFLI Act is modeled after extremely successful programs in California, New Jersey, and Rhode Island.

Now we need to make New York next! Over 177 countries already have some form of paid leave for new moms, but the U.S. isn't one of them yet. Passing the PFLI Act in New York not only helps New Yorkers, it helps pave the way for other states and our federal government to follow New York’s lead!

It's past time to catch our public policies up with our modern labor force! Let’s make New York next! Click here to send a quick message to your state senators urging them to act quickly to pass the PFLI Act before going on recess! 

** Don't forget to forward this message on to your friends, or cut and paste the link above on your Facebook page, so that all your NY friends and family can take action too!

Whether it’s to care for a newborn you swear already smiles, a mom who is ill, or a spouse battling cancer, being there for family is what matters. You shouldn't have to give up a paycheck to do it.

Together, we’re a powerful force for New York families! The clock is ticking and we to hear from you! Be sure to add your name to the thousands of New Yorkers that are saying yes to PFLI!