In October 2009, parents of newborn and newly adopted children in Washington will be able to take up to 5 weeks off work after a 1 week waiting period, with a benefit of $250 a week for full-time workers, pro-rated for part-time.
But will all workers, even those with lower incomes, be able to take advantage of the program? Put simply: Yes. Washington’s Family Leave Insurance program is universal, providing benefits for middle-class and low-income worker alike.
California’s Paid Family Leave program provides us with the best data for making estimates about Washington’s new program. Based on California’s experience we can project that in Washington:
• Parents of about 40% of newborns will take family leave insurance, once the program is widely known.
• People of all income levels will use the program – the majority from families of modest means.
• People working in all types of businesses will use the program – the majority in large companies.
More To Read
May 19, 2025
A year of reflections, a path forward
Read EOI Executive Director's 2025 Changemaker Dinner speech
March 24, 2025
Remembering former Washington State House Speaker Frank Chopp
Rep. Chopp was Washington state’s longest-serving Speaker of the House
February 11, 2025
The rising cost of health care is unsustainable and out of control
We have solutions that put people over profits