Governor Andrew Cuomo says New York's soon-to-launch paid family leave policy will be the nation's strongest. Starting January 1st, New Yorkers will receive up to 12 weeks of paid time off when a family member has to care for a new child, seriously ill loved one, or is called to active military service abroad. According to the governor's office, full-time employees working 20 or more hours a week will be eligible, while part-time workers can apply after a designated time frame. The governor notes only 14-percent of the U.S. workforce has access to employer-sponsored paid family leave.