Sky Schaudt/KJZZ

David Lujan in the KJZZ studio in 2019

Starting in October, federal employees will have access to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after the birth, adoption or fostering of a child. It’s a historic move that puts the United States on par with other industrialized nations for the first time. 

But, it’s a right that’s not afforded to most non-governmental workers.

According to Forbes, just about 19% of non-government employees get paid parental leave through their employers. So, why has it taken so long to get to this point? And will states like Arizona follow suit? 

To find out more about the impact of this federal change in Arizona, The Show talked with David Lujan, director for the Arizona Center for Economic Progress.

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