Lawmakers, maternity care advocates push for paid parental leave in Pennsylvania [Video]

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Lawmakers and maternity care advocates in Harrisburg Monday are pushing for paid parental leave.

There’s a state house bill right now to allow eligible employees to take up to 20 weeks of paid leave to care for a child, parent or spouse.

Payroll tax contributions would go toward a paid family medical leave insurance fund to help small businesses give time off.

Advocates believe this paid leave is especially necessary for mothers.

“It’s the only time I heard colleagues and other moms talk about saying this is what I need,” Sarah Heinze, senior director of policy and advocacy at Maternity Care Coalition, said. “I need paid leave in order to heal, in order to bond with my baby, in order to be financially secure as I embark on this new incredible journey as a parent.”

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The bill is now headed to the full house …