The Family and Medical Leave Act at 20: Still Necessary, Still Not Enough

Two decades ago, President Bill Clinton signed the Family and Medical Leave Act. It remains the only piece of legislation aimed at helping to manage the work-life balance.

Building an Economy for All, Paid Leave

Twenty years ago today, on February 5, 1993, former President Bill Clinton signed his first bill into law: the Family and Medical Leave Act. The Family and Medical Leave Act, also known as FMLA, allows up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to workers in order to recover from a serious medical condition, provide care for a seriously ill family member, or care for a new child. The FMLA remains to this day the only piece of federal legislation specifically focused on helping workers manage their dual responsibilities in the workplace and in the home.

The above excerpt was originally published in The Atlantic. Click here to view the full article.

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