FAMILY VALUES @ WORK ACTION CALLS FOR LAWMAKERS TO WORK TOGETHER TO PASS BIPARTISAN FAMILY CARE ACT

Law would extend vital worker protections statewide, underscores need for national standard

HARRISBURG, PA – Last week, the Pennsylvania House and Senate finalized their state budget and adjourned for the summer without passing the Family Care Act (HB181/SB580). This important legislation has strong bipartisan and bicameral support, and it would be a gamechanger for the almost two-thirds of Pennsylvania workers without guaranteed access to paid family leave by offering workers up to 20 weeks of leave to attend to a medical emergency, care for a new baby or elderly family member, find safety during a domestic violence incident, or support military family members during a deployment.

In response, Family Values @Work Action joins partners such as the PA Family Care Coalition in continuing to urge the General Assembly and Gov. Josh Shapiro to work together to pass the Family Care Act.

Statement from Carol Joyner, Executive Director, Family Values @ Work Action:
“At a time when so many families remain economically vulnerable, and women are forced to leave the workforce at alarming rates to cover gaps in care for themselves and their families, the Pennsylvania Family Care Act can help provide some relief. With paid family medical leave, parents, patients, and caregivers are not forced to choose between care and financial stability. The fact that this bill has bipartisan support underscores just how vital this issue is to every family across the state. We urge Pennsylvania lawmakers to take the final step necessary for their state to join the growing number of states committed to securing the futures of our U.S. workforce. We hope as well that our elected leaders in Washington, DC understand the crucial need for a national paid leave standard, so every American family receives the same benefits, no matter who they are or where they live.”

If passed, the PA Family Care Act would make Pennsylvania the fourteenth state (plus Washington, DC) to adopt a statewide paid family leave program. However, the United States remains one of only six nations in the world with no guaranteed national family medical leave standard.