HARRISBURG –– Legislation to establish a statewide paid family and medical leave program was approved today by the Senate Labor and Industry Committee with strong bipartisan support, according to the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-37).
Senate Bill 906, sponsored by Robinson and Sen. Maria Collett (D-12), would create a state-administered paid family and medical leave program allowing eligible workers to take paid leave during some of life’s most joyous and challenging circumstances, including the birth of a child, a serious personal health condition, caring for a loved one, military-related caregiving responsibilities, or circumstances related to domestic violence.
“Pennsylvania workers should not have to sacrifice their financial security during major life events,” said Robinson, chair of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee. “This legislation offers a practical, sustainable approach supporting working families while recognizing the needs of employers.”
If passed into law, paid leave benefits would be administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry through a state-run insurance program funded by employee payroll contributions. Eligible workers could receive up to 20 weeks of leave for the birth of a child or a serious personal medical condition, and up to 12 weeks of leave to care for a family member, service member, or in qualifying circumstances involving domestic violence.
Studies show that paid leave policies can have a positive impact on employee retention, thereby decreasing costs associated with rehiring and training new employees. Paid leave policies can also increase employee productivity and boost profits for businesses, with a 6.8% average increase in profits per full-time employee where paid leave is offered.
“If Pennsylvania is to effectively compete for economic investment and attract new residents to reverse our population decline, we need to offer fair benefits that support families, motivate Pennsylvania workers to stay here, and incentivize workers and employers alike to move here and put down roots in our great state,” said Robinson. “In this era of rising cancer diagnoses, meaningful paid leave is an essential economic competitiveness strategy – and it’s the right thing to do.”
Senate Bill 906 is supported by AARP Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA), Children First, and others. 78% of Pennsylvanians strongly favor a statewide family leave program. The bill now advances to the full Senate for consideration.
VIDEO: Sen. Robinson Remarks on SB906 in the Senate Labor and Industry Committee
VIDEO: Full committee discussion on SB906