The Washington Center for Equitable Growth has long prioritized the generation of new research on the economic effects of paid family and medical leave in the United States. This line of research shapes our understanding of how family economic security is critical to fostering both short- and long-term economic growth.

As such, Equitable Growth seeks to translate and connect this academic evidence directly with the policymakers and stakeholders contemplating a national paid family and medical leave system. Over the years, through a series of blog posts, research reports, and factsheets, as well as expert convenings, we have been a bridge between the academic and policymaking communities looking to bolster U.S. family economic security.

This commitment culminated in 2020 and 2021 when Equitable Growth awarded more than $380,000 in funding to scholars seeking to fill in existing paid leave research gaps and answer emerging questions prompted by the coronavirus pandemic—including a new report on private-option paid leave plans, published by researchers at Boston College Center for Retirement Research today.

Equitable Growth is proud of the long history of research contributions our network of grantees and scholars have made to the area of paid family and medical leave policy. Some highlights from recent years include funding research that fills gaps on caregiving and medical leave and the response of employers, examines the role paid leave as a public health and economic support during the coronavirus pandemic, and details policy design options and a blueprint for future research on paid leave.

Read the full article about recently funded research at Equitable Growth.