Rep. Christina Sappey (D-Chester) recently introduced legislation that would provide employment protections to Pennsylvanians caring for a terminally ill family member.
The bill would provide up to six weeks of protected, unpaid leave for caregivers of a grandparent, parent, sibling or grandchild with a certified terminal illness who has no other suitable caregiver in their immediate family.
“Pennsylvania workers should never be forced to choose between their job and the care of a terminally ill family member,” Sappey said. “That is why I am introducing Family Medical Leave legislation that would provide employment protections as individuals lovingly care for their family. As legislators, we must stand with caregivers during such a challenging stage of supporting their loved one.”
Sappey was inspired to introduce the measure by the personal story of a local constituent.
Sappey noted the bill has the support of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry. The Senate Labor and Industry Committee unanimously approved the bill in its former iteration as S.B. 479 during the 2017-18 legislative session.