County Executive Innamorato Signs Historic Paid Parental Leave Bill
Published on October 22, 2026
PITTSBURGH – County Executive Sara Innamorato signed the Allegheny County Paid Parental Leave legislation, passed by Council on Tuesday by a vote of 11-4, into law. The amended language to the Article XXIV, which contains Paid Sick and Paid Parental Leave language, can be found here.
County Executive Innamorato was joined at the bill signing by Allegheny County Health Department Director Dr. Iulia Vann; Dr. Dara Mendez and Dr. Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew who sit on the Allegheny County Board of Health; Iren Yelovich, a member United Steel Workers and Librarian at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh; Lucy Rose Rucio a member of SEIU Health Care PA and nurse at Magee Hospital; County Council Member Kathleen Madonna-Emmerling; State Representative Aeiron Abney; State Representative La’Tasha D. Mayes, Chair, Maternal Health Caucus; State Senator Nick Pisciottano, Chair, Kids and Families Caucus; State Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa; and Congresswoman Summer Lee.
Dr. Iulia Vann, Director of the Allegheny County Health Department, said: "Today Allegheny County made history for families. Paid parental leave gives new parents time to heal and bond, which means healthier babies and healthier communities. We listened to every comment, built a balanced policy, and we're ready to help employers succeed during the implementation year."
In prepared remarks, County Executive Innamorato said: “On Tuesday night, County Council took a bold step forward. I want to thank them for putting the health of Allegheny County's families first.
“By passing the first county-level Paid Parental Leave policy in the country, we are showing that we take seriously the work of protecting workers and their families at one of the most economically and medically vulnerable times in their lives.
“Paid leave is not a luxury. Paid leave is NOT radical. It should be a floor. It's how we make sure a healthy start for a child doesn't depend on a parent's tax bracket or an employer's generosity. And it's good for all of us: stronger families, healthier babies, workers who stay in the workforce, and employers who keep their people.
“Together, we can make Allegheny County the best place to raise a family and grow our economy by embracing policies that deliver shared prosperity and better health for all.
“But let's remember how this win happened: Working families demanded more from their government, and we delivered.”
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