Pennsylvania stands at a pivotal moment in passing bipartisan legislation that supports working families and strengthens small businesses. We will soon be reintroducing the “Family Care Act: Putting Pennsylvania Families and Small Businesses First”, previously known as HB181. We urge you to join us in transforming the way Pennsylvanians navigate life’s most critical challenges—together.

This important legislation will help put money back into the pockets of hard-working Pennsylvanians so they can care for themselves and their families following the birth of a child or when serious illness strikes, while also ensuring small businesses who cannot afford to offer this benefit can do so.

The bill proposes a statewide paid family and medical leave insurance program, ensuring that no hard-working Pennsylvanian must choose between their job and their family’s well-being. It also supports small businesses that cannot afford to offer this benefit to their employees, which will allow them to compete with large corporations who are already able to do so.

It provides real solutions to real-life situations, allowing families to:
- Bond with a newborn or newly adopted child during the critical early days.
- Care for elderly or disabled loved ones needing attention and rehabilitation at home.
- Support a child recovering from a serious illness.
- Take time for recovery from personal illness or injury.
- Find safety from domestic violence or abusive caregiving situations.
- Address pressing family matters related to military deployment.

Pennsylvania Needs This Now

Nearly 4 million Pennsylvanians—66% of our workforce—lack access to paid family and medical leave, leaving most rural families particularly vulnerable. This legislation ensures economic stability and job protection for those facing family emergencies.

Employers benefit, too. In states with similar programs, small businesses report higher employee retention, improved productivity, and a stronger bottom line. By passing this bill, Pennsylvania businesses will no longer face a competitive disadvantage as neighboring states like New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland have already implemented paid leave programs.

A Proven Pro-Family, Pro-Business Approach

This program works through modest payroll contributions to support the program, which would be administered by the Department of Labor and Industry. This bill offers flexibility to employers to use private insurers if their benefits meet or exceed state standards. Benefits will be calculated on a graduated scale (using a percentage of the statewide average weekly wage) to ensure the program is accessible to all workers. This will enable workers to utilize the fund when they need it, retain their jobs, and return to work, rather than go on unemployment or state-subsidized programs.


By joining this effort, you’re not just signing onto a bill—you’re standing with Pennsylvania’s families, businesses, and economy. The Family Care Act offers a compassionate, practical, and bipartisan solution that will make our Commonwealth stronger and more competitive.

Let’s act now to make Pennsylvania a leader in supporting families and small businesses. Together, we can ensure that all Pennsylvanians have the freedom to prioritize what matters most: family.

Please join us in co-sponsoring this important legislation.