Legislative Update: The Family Care Act and Juvenile Justice Reform

Rep. Dan Miller March 25, 2025

Last week was a busy one in Harrisburg, with a number of events highlighting some of the important legislation being considered this term.

Working Families Deserve Paid Family & Medical Leave

Last week I was joined by advocate Dr. Josie Badger in celebrating the advancement of our legislation that would create a statewide paid family & medical leave insurance program. We both agree that not only is this the right thing to do, but it’s also what’s best for business as it keeps more people in the workforce, not having to choose between their family & their job.

This important legislation will help put money back into the pockets of hard-working Pennsylvanians so they can care for themselves and their families following the birth of a child or when serious illness strikes, while also ensuring small businesses that cannot afford to offer this benefit can do so.

Nearly 4 million Pennsylvanians—66% of our workforce—lack access to paid family and medical leave, leaving most rural families particularly vulnerable. This legislation ensures economic stability and job protection for those facing family emergencies.

Employers benefit, too. In states with similar programs, small businesses report higher employee retention, improved productivity, and a stronger bottom line. By passing this bill, Pennsylvania businesses will no longer face a competitive disadvantage, as neighboring states like New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland have already implemented paid leave programs.

Juvenile Justice Reform Long Overdue

A few years ago, a bipartisan juvenile justice task force issued a number of recommendations on how to improve outcomes for our kids and save money at the same time, but legislative action has been slow to build off this effort.

Last week, I was happy to join a group of my colleagues at a press conference that highlighted the introduction of ten bills known as the Care Package. These bills address many of those recommendations and expand upon them to enhance justice, focus efforts and, hopefully, reduce recidivism.

These bills would bring about juvenile justice reforms such as ending solitary confinement, limiting court and other fees for those entering the system, bringing a different approach to Miranda warnings, bringing educational stability for those exiting the justice system, and much more.

If you need help or have questions about any state matter, please contact my office by emailing repmiller@pahouse.net or calling 412-343-3870.

P.S. Don’t forget that registration is open for our 2025 Disability & Mental Health Summit! For a full schedule of everything that is happening and details about this year’s sessions and speakers, please visit DisabilitySummit.com. To pre-register to attend, please click here.