No one should have to choose between their health, their family’s health, and their job. Unfortunately, many of our family, friends, and neighbors without access to paid leave face that impossible decision every day. The majority of Pennsylvanians are either ineligible for sick leave or cannot afford to take unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). 
 
February 5, 2025 will mark the 32nd anniversary of FMLA. I am honoring this milestone by introducing the Healthy Workplaces Act, which will help Pennsylvania’s families by allowing employees to earn paid sick leave time. Workers would be able to use their paid leave to seek treatment for an illness or a family member’s illness, in addition to treatment related to domestic violence or sexual assault.  This bill would also help businesses by affording employees who are sick the ability to stay home, preventing the spread of illness to colleagues and customers which slows productivity and hurts bottom lines.
 
Paid sick leave is not only a humane policy but also an effective public health measure. Please join me in protecting the health and wellbeing of Pennsylvania’s workers and families.