Top Agenda Items
- Unvetted board appointments and $3 billion budget drive push for more council staff
- Residents make the case for 18 weeks of paid parental leave
- A resolution backs Magee-Womens nurses as a July 4 contract deadline nears
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SUBSCRIBEUnvetted board appointments and $3 billion budget drive argument for more council staff 🔗 🔗
Discussion ahead of final votes for two proposed referendums highlighted council’s weak spots during its June 23 meeting.
The referenda, which will appear on the November ballot after a 9-6 vote, would remove council’s budget cap and give members access to county benefits if the voters approve.
Some members said they need more staff.
In May, Ken Varhola’s departure as chief of staff left the body with three shared staff members. The chief of staff position will be converted to a coordinator for constituent services and government affairs. The executive committee approved the new position at its June 22 meeting.
Council Member Alex Rose of the South Side Slopes argued in favor of increasing the council budget because the government council oversees a $3 billion budget with 6,000 employees.
“It governs 1.2 million citizens. That’s larger than eight states,” he said.
Council Member DeWitt Walton of the Hill District said, “I asked the staff three different times and three different ways, ‘Was there anything that needs to be done that isn’t being done?’ In every instance of every question, the answer was no.”
The move to increase council’s budget comes amid “considerable fiscal concerns” according to Acting Controller Amy Weise Clements in the 2025 Popular Annual Financial Report.
For example, the pension fund is underfunded by $1.4 billion. “That to me reeks of a government body that does not have the resources that it needs,” said Council Member Dan Grzybek of Bethel Park.
Rose also noted that council does not investigate appointments to boards and authorities, nor does it and the administration know how many boards and authorities the county has. He said, “These boards control a vast amount of authority over people’s lives.”
County Council currently doesn't review who gets appointed to the county's boards and authorities. Would you like to see them overhaul this process?
Residents make the case for 18 weeks of paid parental leave
Even though potential legislation is still months away, Allegheny County Council is ready to push discussion on paid parental leave.
During council’s June 25 public health committee meeting, four community members spoke about the impact of paid parental leave — or lack thereof.
In May, the county’s board of health advanced a measure that would require employers of all sizes to provide 18 weeks of paid parental leave after the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child.
Jean Stone, a registered nurse at Magee-Womens Hospital, spoke about the health consequences of not having paid leave. For instance, Allegheny County has higher rates of premature birth than the state average and that severe maternal morbidity rose by 55% between 2016 and 2022.
One county resident, Meghan Benedict, said having to quickly return to work created health complications for her daughter and weakened their bond. Four years later when her son was born, however, Benedict had paid leave. “Everything went right,” she said.
Andrew Wilkinson, who hopes to be a father, said, “We’re living in a time where employers have shown their unwillingness to do right by parents and babies without being pushed by strong laws and policies.”
Tyler Gillette, an attorney, said there has been a concern by small business owners that the policy would make it tough for them to stay in business.
But he added that his employer, the nonprofit Women’s Law Project, has 18 employees. The organization offers 12 weeks of paid leave, which two senior attorneys recently took simultaneously. “Our organization did not collapse,” he said. “We are stronger than ever.”
Council Member Paul Klein of Point Breeze said September is the earliest the board would vote on the proposal. If it votes in favor, the proposal then goes before council.
Which best describes your view on the county requiring employers to provide 18 weeks of paid parental leave?
A resolution backs Magee-Womens nurses as a July 4 contract deadline nears 🔗
Newly unionized registered nurses and advanced practitioners at Magee-Womens Hospital are receiving support from Allegheny Council. During the June 23 meeting, 10 council members introduced a resolution supporting almost 900 union members.
“The County’s ability to continue a collaborative relationship with UPMC depends on the system’s commitment to being a fair and responsible employer and healthcare provider,” the resolution reads. “Given that maintaining labor peace and a strong, respected nursing workforce is essential for the future of Magee-Womens Hospital and our community at large, Allegheny County Council hereby urges UPMC to work collaboratively with nurses and advanced practitioners to negotiate a fair contract in an expeditious manner, for the health of women, children and all patients throughout our region.”
Nurses at Magee voted to unionize with Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Healthcare Pennsylvania in August 2025 with advanced practitioners doing the same a month later.
The two bargaining units began negotiating their first contract in January, prioritizing increased staffing, health insurance, paid parental leave and better pay for experienced staff. June 22 marked the 24th bargaining session.
If the contract isn’t complete by July 4, union members will vote on taking legal action with the National Labor Relations Board.
Council referred the resolution to the health committee.
Should the county factor a large employer's treatment of its workers into its own dealings and contracts with that employer?
| Strongly support |
| Somewhat support |
| Unsure |
| Somewhat oppose |
| Strongly oppose |