Alaskans deserve
Paid Family & Medical LeavE!
Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) is a state-level program that provides partial wage compensation for leave that is job protected (by the Family Medical Leave Act - FMLA) at the federal level.
PFML includes three types of leave:
pARENTAL
medical
family
It refers to leave taken to bond with a new child through birth, adoption or foster placement
It refers to leave taken for one’s own serious health condition
It refers to leave taken to care for a loved one with a serious health condition
83% of Alaskans agree PFML will strengthen Alaska’s workforce and economy.
90% of Alaskans support PFML.
Approximately 50% of Alaskan workers do not have access to PFML.
Why does Alaska need PFML?
The need for PFML is driven by real economic impacts on working families. A survey conducted in the the summer of 2025 by the Alaska Survey Research found in the past five years, many Alaskans have lost income because they needed time away from work, including:
42% due to their own serious health condition
25% to care for a family member
13% to care for a newborn
When asked what type of leave would be most valuable, Alaskans prioritized medical and caregiving needs. Nearly 40% identified leave for their own serious health condition as most valuable, followed by 30% for family caregiving, while the remaining 19% cited newborn bonding. This research indicates the complex experiences of Alaskan families encompass family, medical, and parental paid leave needs.
A statewide PFML policy will have positive impacts on many of the workforce and economic challenges facing Alaska’s communities, businesses, and families.