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Achieving paid family leave in Oregon, USA: analysis of the policy process using the advocacy coalition framework

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Abstract

Only a few states have adopted a paid family leave (PFL) policy in the United States of America. Local media described the 2019 Oregon PFL legislation as "the most progressive" policy in the country, with coalitions as crucial policy advocates. This case study applies the Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF) to examine policy learning and negotiated agreements as causal mechanisms to explain the adoption of the PFL. We identified three modes of policy learning: previous policy cycles, learning from other coalitions, and learning from community organizations. ACF explains the evolution of negotiated agreements based on the stability of coalition belief systems, including consensus on leave time, inclusivity, and cost-sharing contributions. ACF helps describe how coalitions adopted progressive ideas such as equity. However, ACF's elements that allow a deeper exploration of narratives were missing. Future studies should include interviews with coalition members and compare state policies to assess strategies. Future policy initiatives could integrate feedback from community organizations into policy strategies.

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Funding

Funding was provided by Fogarty International Center of the US National Institutes of Health under grant #D43TW009345 awarded to the Northern Pacific Global Health Fellows Program. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

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  1. Oregon Health Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, 1810 SW 5th Ave, Portland, OR, 97201, USA

    Lisset Dumet

  2. Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA

    Hal Nelson

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Dumet, L., Nelson, H. Achieving paid family leave in Oregon, USA: analysis of the policy process using the advocacy coalition framework. J Public Health Pol 45, 74–85 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41271-023-00455-0

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