Attract Workers + Families

For businesses to be successful in Pennsylvania, we need an ample, skilled workforce. To attract and retain a world class workforce, we can help deliver job security and peace of mind by making sure workers have access to quality, affordable childcare, the ability to earn Paid Sick & Family Leave, and the power to control their own retirement.

Put money back into people's pockets

 We can grow the economy while expanding opportunity and cutting poverty with a state-level Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The federal government and 30 states, including all surrounding states, have an EITC. At 20 percent of the federal credit, this program would provide a benefit of about $422 million to Pennsylvania’s working families. The 2021 federal maximum credit for a family with two qualifying children is $5,980 -- a 20 percent state level credit would provide this family with an additional $1,196 to spend on necessities.

 To support working parents, we must address childcare costs. The median cost of childcare in Pennsylvania is $290 per child per week – or $15,080 a year. The cost of infant care can be more than 30 percent higher than other care levels, nearing $20,000 per year. The federal government and 25 states have child and dependent care tax credits. We can help ensure high-quality care for kids while allowing employers the ability to hire and retain the staff they need through a state Dependent and Childcare Tax Credit. At 30 percent of the federal tax credit, this program would provide a benefit of about $450 million to Pennsylvania’s working families. The 2021 federal maximum credit for a family with two qualifying children is $6,000 -- a 30 percent state level credit would provide this family with an additional $1,200 to help offset their childcare expenses.

 We can support low-income, working families by expanding Special Tax Forgiveness limits to keep up with inflation. Currently, a family of four with an income of $32,000 or less pays no income tax. If these income limits were adjusted each year at just two percent, families of four with income up to almost $45,000 would pay no tax in 2021. Putting more money back into people’s pockets helps spur local economic growth when families spend in the community.

Build better work-life balance

 Employees who can be off to care for themselves or a sick family member are ultimately more productive at work. They are also less likely to spread illness throughout their workplace. Pennsylvania can implement a self-funded sick and family leave program for workers who are not able to access these benefits through their employer. Funds will be generated by payroll deductions from an employee’s pay and will not impact the employer’s bottom line.

Help workers build a nest egg for retirement

 A staggering 44% of working Pennsylvanians – over two million workers – lack access to any retirement plan at work. The bipartisan Keystone Saves Program could give millions of working Pennsylvanians the option to protect their retirement futures by offering them access to a privately managed plan that is safe and portable. This would be an option for employers without a different tax-qualified retirement plan and 100% employee-funded.