This year, we sought to determine just how big an impact the FMLA has had these last 22 years. The result tells a bittersweet story about our nation -- one of progress, problems and possibility.

Women's equality matters because every American deserves quality, affordable, patient-centered health care and efforts to provide that remain under attack, as does the birth control coverage and access to reproductive health services that women need.

When it comes to workplace policies like paid family and medical leave and paid sick days, the vast majority of Americans -- across party lines and across demographics -- agree that we need laws to keep working families economically secure when urgent health and caregiving needs arise.

So, although flowers, brunch and other gifts are a fine way to show the mothers in your life that you care, take some time this Mother's Day to think about the challenges facing America's mothers and families.

If our country is ever going to demonstrate that it truly values families, and if we are serious about getting the country and economy back on track, then we need national work and family policy standards.