Edwards calls for expanding family medical leave

Speaking at New Hampshire's largest medical facility, presidential candidate John Edwards proposed an expansion of the Family and Medical Leave Act that was authored by his rival for the nomination, Chris Dodd.

According to the Associated Press who got an advanced copy of the speech, Edwards "proposes spending $2 billion a year to help states create family leave programs that offer workers at least eight weeks of paid time off to care for a newborn or ill family member.The proposal is similar to those offered by his rivals, but Edwards would put up more money — New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's plan calls for $1 billion a year; Illinois Sen. Barack Obama proposes $1.5 billion. Edwards also would set a national goal of eight weeks of paid leave for all by 2014."

Edwards will also make stops in Manchester, Milford, and Salem later today.