PAID FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE

Paid family and medical leave allows PA workers to be financially okay if they have a new child or need to take care of themselves or a loved one if diagnosed with a serious medical condition, such as cancer. But, two-thirds of workers in the Commonwealth – about 4.3 million people – don’t have access to paid family and medical leave. Establishing a statewide program would allow:

• new parents to bond with their newborn child
• family members to provide critical care and rehab services to elderly loved ones at home
• parents the ability to care for their child who is recovering from a serious illness
• workers to care for themselves during a serious illness or injury

Eight out of ten Pennsylvania voters want paid family and medical leave so they can care for their families and be able to pay their bills, according to a new statewide poll. Republican and Democratic voters overwhelmingly support lawmakers creating an affordable statewide program

In the 13 states, along with Washington D.C., with paid leave laws, it has proven to boost productivity and profits, help businesses recruit the best employees, and save businesses money by improving retention and reducing costly turnover. With bordering states, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland, already passing paid leave laws, PA employers, along with the state’s economy, are being left behind in an increasingly competitive economic environment.

Children First currently serves as co-chair of the statewide Family Care Coalition, which is working hard to get an affordable statewide paid family and medical leave program in PA. Visit the Family Care Coalition website to learn more about The Family Care Act and how you can get involved.