Featured Image:  Lehigh County Executive Josh Siegel signs the county’s new paid family leave legislation as Director of Administration Jessica Baraket looks on.

Allentown – When Kelly Evans had her first child three years ago, her Lehigh County paycheck stopped until she returned to work. Like so many employers in the private and public sectors, the county didn’t offer paid time off to new parents.

It’s a different story with her second child. Evans, an employee of the Department of Aging and Adult Services, can take up to eight weeks of paid leave, thanks to legislation proposed by County Executive Josh Siegel and unanimously passed by the Board of Commissioners.

“It’s been a huge blessing for myself and my family,” Evans said Monday, growing emotional as she spoke at a news conference where Executive Siegel signed the legislation. “It gives me time to heal and bond with my newborn while not stressing about finances while I’m out of work.”

Offering paid leave to employees who become parents through birth, adoption or fostering was one of the executive’s top priorities when he took office in January.

“Work can never be more important than the worker,” he said, noting that the legislation enjoyed unanimous, tri-partisan support on the board of commissioners – Republican, Democrat and independent – and matches the eight weeks offered to Pennsylvania state workers. It exceeds the six-week policy of major municipalities, including Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

Siegel said no one should have to forgo a paycheck during the first weeks and months of parenting, when physical healing happens and critical bonds form between child and parent. Unfortunately, many find themselves in just that position. About 66% of Pennsylvania workers (roughly 4.3 million) do not have paid family leave, and 61% are unable to take even unpaid leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act. (Source: National Partnership for Women and Families).

Paid leave is increasingly important given the state of the economy. Food and other essentials are more costly and gasoline alone is becoming prohibitively expensive, with the average cost now at nearly $4.50 per gallon.

“It reflects a commitment to families, economic fairness and economic dignity,” Siegel said. “Whether it’s a public or private employer offering the benefit, it reflects an acknowledgment that when employers prioritize their employees, they will be more successful and productive.”

They are also more likely to remain their jobs, or sign on in the first place.

“This will really help the county with recruitment and retention,” said Commissioner Sarah Fevig, who co-sponsored the legislation with Commissioner Sheila Alvarado.

Fevig, a higher education administrator, knows the value of the paid leave first-hand. She was able to take it after having her own children.

“I’ve seen benefits like these be the deciding factor in many [jobs searches] over the years,” she said.

Alvarado said putting employees first “is important for the success of county government overall.”

“Ensuring our families can take this paid time off without having to worry whether or not they are getting paid – this will help build a strong family,” she said. “A strong family bond provides the security that’s needed for members to navigate life’s challenges.”

Luz Cruz, a secretary in the Domestic Relations office, said the policy gives her peace of mind as a first-time expectant mother.

“It will allow me to focus on bonding, recovering and adjusting with my newborn,” she said. “This is my first year with the county and this was something that was weighing very heavy on me, so this is really good.”

Siegel said he hopes the policy will be an example for other local governments and businesses to follow.

“This legislation is about restoring a long since broken contract which recognized prosperity must be shared with the people. Our economy is strongest when it guarantees economic prosperity instead of financial peril,” he said. “Our nation prospered when we created systems that ensured we harnessed the strength of our economy in service to ourselves. Pennsylvania must join other states and nations in providing paid family and medical leave. That’s pro-family and pro-growth.”

Information provided to TVL by:
Daniel Sheehan
Communications Director
Lehigh County