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University of Wisconsin–Madison
Poverty-related issues in the news, from the Institute for Research on Poverty

State Policies and Protections for Workers

Lawmakers aim to help people balance work, family, By Jake Grovum, July 9, 2015, Stateline: “After years of focusing on Great Recession job losses, increasing economic inequality and ashrinking middle class, lawmakers in many states this year turned to a related front: trying to make life a little easier for Americans struggling to balance work and family obligations.  Their focus on issues such as paid leave, predictable shift scheduling and protections for pregnant workers reflects a sobering fact: Years after the recession ended, many Americans still do not feel economically secure. Many families fear that without safeguards, a medical emergency or family obligation that pulls them away from work could mean financial disaster…”