Poll shows strong support for paid family leave

Time off from work to care for a child or relative is codified in federal law. Now, an overwhelming majority of US citizens who are 40 and older want that time away from the job to be paid.

An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll released on Friday said 72 percent support paid family leave. Democrats were more likely to back it, but Republicans also expressed strong support. Overall, support was stronger among people age 40 to 64 and among women.

At least 19 states are considering paid family leave laws, but only three have active programs. New York, the latest to approve it, will launch its program in 2018.