The Allegheny County Health Department has announced a proposal that would require all employers in the county to offer at least 18 weeks of paid parental leave.
Ashley Harland, Trying Together’s PN-3 Early Childhood Policy manager, gave public comment at the Allegheny County Board of Health’s May 13 meeting in support of this proposal.
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“As an early childhood organization, we recognize that parents are a child’s first and most important teachers,” Harland said. “We believe that the true continuum of care begins with paid parental leave”
Harland, along with others who spoke in support of paid parental leave, outlined the benefits of the policy. Paid parental leave reduces infant and maternal mortality, protects maternal mental health; and supports the physical recovery and healing following labor and delivery. The policy also helps businesses retain employees, which supports workforce development and the local economy.
In addition, most child care providers do not enroll infants until they are at least six weeks old, and infant care is often expensive and difficult for working parents to find. Paid parental leave allows parents to care for their babies during a critical stage and bridges the gap before child care is more available.
“Allegheny County can be a leader in the Commonwealth by establishing paid parental leave and making our county a great place for families with young children to live and work,” Harland concluded.
The proposal would expand the county’s paid sick leave act and would require all employers to provide workers 18 weeks of paid leave following the birth or legal adoption of a child, which could be used at any point during the year after a new member joins the family
The county’s Board of Health unanimously approved moving the proposal to a 30-day public comment period and will vote on the final rule this summer before submitting it to County Council.
More Information
Health Department Paid Parental Leave Proposal – Allegheny County
Allegheny County may compel all employers to offer paid parental leave – Pittsburgh’s Public Source
Allegheny County to introduce paid parental leave proposal – WESA
