PITTSBURGH — Mandatory paid parental leave could be coming to Allegheny County.
It’s a policy proposal Channel 11 has reported on extensively in the last several months.
If it passes, as written, new parents countywide will get a minimum of 18 weeks of paid leave.
Thursday, community members had a chance to weigh in during a public hearing.
Dozens of people spoke, including healthcare workers, union leaders, elected officials and more.
“I think the physical impacts of childbirth are real. We don’t talk enough about them. In reality, we should have six to nine months,” a doctor said.
“What is the appropriate length? Should it be the same for mothers and fathers? Should there be an exemption for small businesses and what size?” State Rep. Arvind Venkat said.
“It cannot be overstated how dire the maternal and infant public health crisis is in Allegheny County,” Liz Hutchinson of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1776 said.
“No worker should have to choose between caring for a new child and keeping a paycheck,” Randi Pearson, United Steelworkers.
One woman brought her six-month-old and said she was grateful for her time off after giving birth.
“I’m mostly here today because it hurts my heart to know other birthing parents do not get that experience,” she said.
Most speakers were in favor of the bill. The most outspoken opponent of the proposal, as written, was Carrie Nolan-Robson. She’s the Executive Director of the North Side Chamber of Commerce.
“How should it be implemented? Who should bear the financial responsibility and whether the proposal balances supporting families and supporting the businesses who employ them,” she said.
The comment period ends on September 18. There is no timetable for when council will vote.
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