4.8.25 – APFA PHL Base Brief – Support for PA State Bill HB200

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Hello PHL!

As Flight Attendants, we know how important it is to have protections when life takes an unexpected turn. That’s why we’re partnering with Mother Forward to support HB200, a Pennsylvania state bill that would provide job-protected paid leave for Pennsylvania workers when caring for sick family members, their newborns, and more.

Read on to learn more and take action!

Did you know that 1 in 4 American workers go back to work within two weeks of giving birth because they can’t afford unpaid leave? Or that many Pennsylvanians risk losing their jobs when caring for a sick loved one? Right now, Pennsylvania has a chance to change that by passing HB 200, the Family and Medical Leave Act —but we need your help to make it happen. Without paid leave, workers—especially women, low-income families, and caregivers—face impossible choices. States like New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts already have successful programs. It’s time for Pennsylvania to step up!

What HB 200 Would Do:

• Provide up to 20 weeks of paid leave for new parents, caregivers, and those with serious health conditions.
• Ensure job protection so workers don’t have to choose between their family and their paycheck.
• Fund benefits through a small payroll contribution (split between employers and employees).

How You Can Help:

1. Contact Your Legislator – Urge them to support HB 200.
   1. Mother Forward is collecting 100 letters to send to congress. Join us here: bit.ly/PAHB200
   2. Find your legislator to contact them regularly over the phone asking them to call HB200 to a vote
2. Spread the Word
   1. Post on social media using #PAPaidLeave
   2. Share the Op-Ed from Rep. O’Mara and Rep. Mihalek highlighting the Family Care Act
   3. Join with fellow parents and concerned citizens to show up at your next town hall to share support for HB200
   4. Send a letter to the editor of your local newspaper advocating for paid family leave or sharing your story
3. Join Advocacy Efforts – Organizations like Mother Forward, Chamber of Mothers and the Maternity Care Coalition are working together to pass HB200 and support all efforts to help families and children across the commonwealth.

Let’s make sure no one has to choose between a paycheck and their family’s health.

Thank you for standing up for Pennsylvania families!

In Solidarity,

Tracey Montanari
PHL Base President

Mitch Hake
PHL Base Vice President

Jackie Zepeda
PHL Base Council Representative