The Fund supports networks of state health policy decision makers to help identify, inspire, and inform policy leaders.
A bipartisan group of state health policymakers from both the executive and legislative branches who are focused on improving population health.
Networks of state officials, advocates, and others aiming to invest in and transform primary care.
A program dedicated to advancing state-based efforts to make health care more affordable for residents, employers, and states.
The Milbank Memorial Fund supports two state leadership programs for legislative and executive branch state government officials committed to improving population health.
A leadership development program for early and mid-career state government officials who are committed to improving the health of all people in their communities.
A leadership program for senior state government officials who are committed to improving population health.
The Fund focuses on creating an affordable health care system built on strong primary care and partnerships that improve health outcomes for all.
Improving state leaders’ ability to enact and implement evidence-based health policies.
Advancing policies that create a more prevention- and primary care-oriented health system.
Improving population health through policies that contain health care cost growth.
Our state health policy resources offer relevant data analysis and best practices.
The Fund publishes reports, issues briefs, and case studies on state health policy issues.
Short takes on health policy issues from Milbank staff and guest authors.
Insights from Milbank President Debra Lubar on state health policymaking.
Reported articles and Q&As on timely health policy issues, as well as foundation updates.
Milbank Memorial Fund and Milbank Quarterly webinars featuring state health policymakers and researchers.
Updates and expert contact information for reporters.
The Milbank Memorial Fund is a private foundation that works to improve population health and health equity.
October 14, 2026
Quarterly Article
Scott W. Allard
Heather D. Hill
Oct 14, 2026
Sep 23, 2026
Sep 14, 2026
Back to The Milbank Quarterly
Policy Points:
Context: State governments have begun to adopt labor market policies, including minimum wage laws, earned income tax credits, paid family and medical leave programs, paid sick leave mandates, and scheduling laws. The presence (or absence) of these laws can affect the health and well-being of workers.
Methods: A review of the existing literature.
Findings: Emerging evidence indicates that state government actions to increase earnings for those in low-wage jobs and to improve their job quality can lead to better health.
Conclusions: Encouraging findings in the literature strongly suggest that policymakers should continue to advance state-level labor market policies to improve the health outcomes of workers, as well as support efforts by researchers to assess their impact on health.