One in four workers in PA, including our legislators, get paid family and medical leave when needed. If you or a family member is one of the many who is working without this benefit, the Pennsylvania “Family Care Act” could be in your future. In the face of divisive politics, Pennsylvania legislators in both parties support paid family and medical leave insurance for every worker in Pennsylvania, and legislation is gaining momentum. The Family Care Act would allow eligible employees to take paid time off for things such as caring for a newborn or adopted child, or a serious illness of a family member or themselves. Not only do 80% of PA voters support this idea, but the majority of businesses support it too because it would help increase worker retention, productivity, and the ability for businesses to attract and retain employees. The Family Care Act has been introduced and is progressing in both the Pennsylvania House and Senate by both Democrats and Republicans.
Want to know more? AAUW PA (American Association of University Women), which is part of a statewide coalition advocating for passage, will host a presentation on Wednesday, September 17, 5:30 to 7pm at Del Val University. Coalition leaders, Dan O’Brien from the PA Family Care Coalition and Sara Jann Heinze from Maternity Care Coalition, will address questions about how The Family Care Act would work and how you can help make it a reality. The meeting will take place in the Life Sciences Building, Room 200. For more information and to register, send an email to aauwdoylestownpa@gmail.com.
AAUW is a national organization whose mission is the advancement of equity for women and girls. The Doylestown Branch offers various programs throughout the year providing opportunities to socialize with like-minded women, to stay informed about issues impacting equity, and to advocate for equity. Our current policy focus is on paid leave, pay equity, and minimum wage. Informative branch meetings are held monthly and are open to anyone interested in the mission and making new friends. Visit our website or contact us at aauwdoylestownpa@gmail.com for more information.
