With 2026 state legislatures poised to continue momentum on expanding paid leave in the South, EARN in the South—a coalition of Southern policy, research, and grassroots organizations—will host a virtual press conference at 11am ET on January 20 on the need for strong, comprehensive paid leave policies throughout the region. Register here.
Alabama, Georgia, and Texas have advanced paid parental and sick leave policies in recent years, demonstrating the fertile ground for more paid leave policies to progress in other parts of the region. In preparation for campaigns to strengthen paid leave in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, West Virginia, and Virginia, state partners and directly impacted workers will emphasize the benefits of paid leave to families, businesses, and the economy. The event will also be in partnership with A Better Balance, 9to5, and the National Collaborative for Infants and Toddlers.
Who:
- Virginia State Senator Jennifer Boysko
- Feroza Freeland, Policy Director, A Better Balance
- Bristeria Clark, Georgia Fellow, 9to5
- Rachel Shanklin, Georgia Director, Small Business Majority
- Keesa Smith-Brantley, Executive Director, Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families
- Jasmine Payne-Patterson, Senior State Policy Strategist, Economic Policy Institute
When: Tuesday, January 20, 11am ET/10am CT
Where: Zoom (register here)
