The push for a national paid family and medical leave program took center stage as the White House gathered with leaders from several states to discuss the future of such policies. The meeting convened by Jennifer Klein, Assistant to the President and Director of the Gender Policy Council, along with Tom Perez, Senior Advisor and Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, included representatives from Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington state, and Washington, D.C, as detailed in a statement released by the White House.

In light of the President's Fiscal Year 2025 Budget proposal for an all-encompassing national paid family and medical leave program, the administration is bolstering its case by highlighting the successful implementation of similar programs by these states and the District. The proposed national program aspires to cover various leave needs, from new child bonding and serious illness care to coping with the impact of a loved to ones’s military service. According to the White House readout, the administration is actively working toward such a goal while expressing admiration for the states that are leading the charge.

During the recent discussions, administration officials reiterated their dedication to establishing a national, comprehensive paid leave policy. Highlighting the dual benefit of such programs for both families and the economy, the meeting showcased the Biden-Harris Administration's ongoing commitment to this cause. Moreover, the Department of Treasury joined the conversation by announcing forthcoming guidance designed to clarify the tax treatment of state paid family and medical leave programs for existing and prospective initiatives.

The meeting marks a significant effort by the White Administration to galvanize national support around paid leave, acknowledging the groundwork laid by the states in attendance.