State lawmakers are beginning to roll out a package of bills announced last month addressing women and family issues, including paid parental leave.
The proposal from Rep. Debra Heffernan (D-Bellefonte) would allow state employees up to three months of paid parental leave after they’ve been working for one year.
Those employees would also still be able to use vacation and sick time to care for their new child.
The United States stands as the only industrialized country to not mandate paid parental leave nationwide. American law requires many companies to provide three months of unpaid maternity leave.
Proponents say it allows parents to more deeply connect with their child and better care for them without having to worry about further budget pressures.
It gets its first hearing in the House Administration Committee.
