In today’s economy, most households rely on two incomes to afford to live. That reality oftentimes forces hardworking Arkansans to choose between their career and financial security or caring for a loved one.

But our state’s workforce is not alone in facing that dilemma.

Right now, nearly three-quarters of American workers lack access to employer-provided paid family leave. Whether welcoming a new child, nursing a sick parent back to health or managing an unexpected medical emergency, too many workers face these pivotal life moments without the flexibility of paid leave.

Simultaneously, the rise in disparate state-level paid leave laws has created complex and confusing compliance requirements. Multistate employers face significant administrative hurdles such as navigating varied state rules, tax systems and eligibility criteria, while aiming to provide consistent benefits for their employees.

The challenges facing everyday Americans have shifted since my time as a small-business owner. We all have seen family dynamics evolve along with the economic landscape. With these changes, unpaid leave puts an even greater strain on a family’s financial security today.

Arkansas has seen significant and encouraging advancements in paid family leave at the state level. The state has extended paid leave to eligible state employees, granting up to 12 weeks of paid maternity leave after the birth, adoption or foster-care placement of a child. Additionally, our public school employees are guaranteed up to 12 weeks of fully paid maternity leave, setting a strong example nationwide. I am grateful to Governor Sanders, her administration and the many leaders in Arkansas who are making a difference toward this shared priority.

We cannot overlook the connection between paid family leave and improved maternal health outcomes. Arkansas has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country, and the Arkansas Maternal Mortality Review Committee has reported that the vast majority of these deaths are preventable.

Research consistently associates paid leave with lower rates of postpartum depression, improved infant health and greater financial stability for families. Studies show that mothers who take maternity leave have 51 percent lower odds of hospitalization for themselves and 47 percent lower odds for their infants, while 10 weeks of paid maternal leave is linked to a 12 percent reduction in infant mortality.

Beyond these benefits to moms and newborns, paid family leave provides critical support for all caregivers, helping shoulder responsibilities more equally.

As a father of three daughters, I’ve seen firsthand the joys and challenges that come with starting a family, and as a Member of Congress, I’ve learned just how much families can benefit from greater access to paid leave. That is why I am proud to share that we recently made important progress toward expanding paid leave benefits for working Americans.

Recently, I joined Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), alongside a dedicated, bipartisan coalition in the House of Representatives, to introduce the More Paid Leave for More Americans Act. This legislation offers a sensible, flexible framework designed to expand access to paid leave by encouraging states to adopt or expand scalable, sustainable benefit programs that work for employees in their states. Our approach rests on two core principles: state-led collaboration and public-private partnership.

The More Paid Leave for More Americans Act establishes a competitive, three-year pilot program for states to enact their own paid leave systems in partnership with private industry. This program will provide financial support and assistance to states that choose to design and implement tailored family, medical and/or caregiving leave programs. Importantly, the legislation also establishes the Interstate Paid Leave Action Network (I-PLAN), a national framework designed to encourage collaboration among participating states, reduce compliance burdens and harmonize administrative standards to ease navigation for multistate employers.

When families have the resources to meet life’s milestones and challenges without sacrificing their financial stability, we strengthen our communities and our entire economy. By championing a model that empowers states, fosters public-private partnerships and promotes family values, workers and businesses alike will continue to thrive.

Making life more affordable is a mandate across the country, in red, blue and purple states. It is time to deliver benefits that work for modern families, so we can build a more secure, resilient economic future for families and communities throughout Arkansas and the rest of America.