Today’s editorial is another installment in the “lost causes are the only ones worth fighting for” category as we praise a rare bipartisan push in Congress, one led by Arkansas’ own Sen. John Boozman.

Republican Boozman has joined Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, a New York Democrat, to introduce the More Paid Leave for More Americans Act in the Senate to expand access to paid family leave. A companion bill in the House of Representatives also has bipartisan sponsorship.

The measure would establish a three-year pilot program to give financial incentives to states to offer at least six weeks of paid leave that replaces at least 50% to 67% of wages, depending on income, while capping the benefit at 150% of the state’s average weekly wage.

It also would encourage states to develop shared standards for family leave, alleviating the patchwork of state policies that now prevails, and would support public-private partnerships to implement the benefits.

Only 14 states and the District of Columbia have enacted mandatory paid family leave programs. In Arkansas, paid family leave benefits in the private sector are voluntary.

Babies are born, children get sick, employees need surgery, aging parents need help — this bill acknowledges the facts of family life and deserves Congress’ support.

Click here to read this piece on Arkansas Business' website.