b'5FALL 2019THEPENNSYLVANIA IS AGINGand the caregivers areThe program would cover all Pennsylvania exhausted. Thats because the state offers noworkers and their families and would be a PRICEpaid family and medical leave program whenmajor victory for people in minimum-wage or workers need time off to care for elderly orlow-skilled jobs that dont offer paid time off. disabled relatives, for newborn babies or newlyThe Women and Girls Foundation and OFadopted children, for sick children, or even forPathways PA are engaging AARP and other themselves after a serious illness.senior citizens organizations, veterans groups, CARING Now, with a $75,000 grant from Thepediatric health care providers, and business Pittsburgh Foundation, the Women and Girlsand labor leaders in advocacy efforts.Foundation of Southwestern PennsylvaniaA 10-year analysis of Californias paid leave and Pathways PA are developing an advocacyprogram found that it saves money by reducing campaign to win state legislative approval ofemployee turnover, particularly for small the Family Care Act, which would guaranteebusinesses with fewer than 50 employees. paid family and medical leave in Pennsylvania.Demographics are a factor: Pennsylvania Bi-partisan legislation has been introduced inhas the fourth-oldest population in the nation the General Assembly to establish a fund thatand is ranked fifth in the number of residents would function much like workers compen- over age 65. Given these realities, its no wonder sation, drawing a half-cent per dollar throughthat 78% of workers and 56% of employers payroll deductions. surveyed for a 2018 Pennsylvania Dept. of Labor report favor paid family and medical leave. Support is strong across all demographics and party lines; 80% of those polled endorsed it once they realized it would benefit workers who are caring for elderly relatives.'