Allegheny County, PA – State Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) released the following statement in support of Allegheny County’s revised paid parental leave proposal:
“I commend Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato for her work to expand paid parental leave and for listening to feedback from residents and employers in revising the proposal. I know firsthand how important those first few months after welcoming a child can be, and no parent should have to choose between caring for their family and making ends meet.
This proposal is an important step forward for working families in Allegheny County, but access to paid parental leave should not depend on where you live. Every family in Pennsylvania deserves the same opportunity to care for a new child without risking their financial security.
That is why I have called on the General Assembly to establish a statewide standard for paid parental leave and introduced legislation with Senator Amanda Cappelletti to provide 12 weeks of paid leave following the birth or adoption of a child. The Pennsylvania House has already passed bipartisan legislation to establish a broader paid family and medical leave program. While these proposals take different approaches, they share the same goal of ensuring Pennsylvanians can take time away from work to care for their families without losing their income.
Paid parental leave improves health outcomes for parents and babies, helps businesses retain workers, and strengthens our economy. Allegheny County is moving this conversation forward, and I am committed to continuing that work in Harrisburg so families across Pennsylvania can have the same support.”