FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 26, 2023
CONTACT: [email protected]
New Poll: Over Three-Fourths of Wisconsin Voters Support National Paid Family Leave Policy
WASHINGTON, D.C. – One Country Project (OCP) today released results from a Wisconsin statewide survey focused on voters’ opinions of a national paid family and medical leave policy which demonstrates widescale support for government investment. With a government shutdown looming, paid family leave is yet another issue that will unnecessarily take a backseat to political squabbles in Washington.
The poll found that over three-fourths of voters (78%), regardless of party, support Congress implementing a national paid family and medical leave program, and more than half of voters would be more inclined to vote for a candidate that supports a national paid leave policy. In a divided Congress, it is clear political turmoil in D.C. should not come at the price of the American worker. In fact, data from the poll showed Wisconsin voters believe more people will be able to stay in their jobs even if they or their family face a medical challenge and employee morale would increase if there was a national paid family leave policy.
“These findings illustrate Wisconsinites’ understanding of and appreciation for legislation that prioritizes the well-being of our citizens both at home and in the workplace,” said former U.S. Senator and OCP Founder Heidi Heitkamp. “Beyond the moral incentives, instituting a national paid family leave policy would help to level the playing field, enhance productivity, contribute to positive public health outcomes, and result in economic advantages. Most importantly, these findings cut across parties. As we barrel towards a presidential election, lawmakers should feel confident about working across the aisle on legislation that voters describe as pro-family and pro-work for our country. Paid family leave is not merely a policy choice but a reflection of the evolving needs and aspirations of workers across America.”
Background
Topline Findings:
- A strong majority of Wisconsin voters (78%) support creating a national paid family and medical leave program, with support across parties.
- A majority (61%) of Wisconsin voters would be more likely to vote for a candidate who supports a national paid leave policy, while only 12% would be less likely.
- Wisconsin voters believe that more people will be able to stay in their jobs even if they or their family face a medical challenge and employee morale will increase if there were a national paid family leave policy.
- There is little differentiation across the top messages for supporting the policy, with the top testing themes including helping family, keeping people financially stable, and economic benefits.
- Wisconsin voters describe paid family and medical leave as a pro-family, pro-work policy for our country.
- Voters want to hear from small business owners, labor leaders, and parents about changes to national paid leave policy.
Methodology:
Forbes Tate Partners Insights conducted a Wisconsin statewide online survey among N=504 Wisconsin voters from August 3 – 7, 2023.
The margin of error for an N=504 sample size is +/- 4.38% at the 95% confidence interval.
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About One Country Project
Rural America holds an essential role in moving the United States forward and the One Country Project is dedicated to ensuring Rural America’s priorities and values are heard and reflected in policy at the federal level. To learn more, visit us at www.onecountryproject.com or on Twitter or Facebook.