If you are parent or have witnessed someone you love become a parent, you know just how delicate and precious those first few months can be. It is a critical time for healing from birth, bonding with a new child, and nurturing your new family.
   

As two Senators who are both raising small children and growing our respective families, we have seen firsthand the importance of having this time. The research and common sense supports that adequate paid leave improves mental and physical health outcomes for parents and children alike. Parental leave creates a better foundation for parenthood that ultimately leads to better outcomes for employees and employers including retention, and increased productivity and morale in the workplace. Yet, despite these benefits, millions of Pennsylvanians lack access to reliable paid parental leave.
  

As we confront declining birthrates and a shrinking population, we must acknowledge that the decision to live, work, and raise a family in Pennsylvania doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s time to take a hard look at our Commonwealth’s policies and recognize that, for too many families, the deck is stacked against them. Paid parental leave is a vital part of this conversation—one that directly affects whether families can afford to grow and stay here in Pennsylvania.
 

As such, we plan to introduce legislation guaranteeing paid parental leave for all Pennsylvanians which supports parents seeking to grow their families. Parents should not have to choose between a paycheck and taking necessary time to heal, bond with their new child, and nurture their new family unit.  

Please join us in cosponsoring this important legislation.