Every so often, something new takes over our public awareness. Sometimes, it is a brief fad that disappears as fast as it arrived (e.g., fidget spinners and the ice bucket challenge). Other times, what seems like a fad becomes embedded into our society (e.g., selfies and hashtags). In the world of politics, paid family leave has suddenly appeared to take over as politicians around the country repeat the phrase. While most of the country is trying to figure out if this is just an election-year fad, the ideas have already become lasting legislation in New York.

New York has emerged as one of only four states with PFL in place for almost all employees in the state, which means most employers are obligated to adhere to the new requirements. Any private employer with one or more employees working in New York state is required to provide PFL to its eligible employees. This is anyone based in New York state that has been employed full-time for at least 26 weeks or part-time for 175 days. For 2018, employees contribute up to $1.26 per week of their weekly wage to cover the costs of the paid leave.

Employees may then take leave to bond with newborn or adopted children, or to take care of a relative who needs the care for up to three months. While New Yorkers could only receive 50 percent of their average wage in 2018; by 2021, all employees will be eligible for two-thirds of their weekly earnings. Although the New York regulation is complex, it makes clear that this is not a passing fad for politicians up for re-election, but a lasting policy that will affect New Yorkers for years to come.