PITTSBURGH, PENN. – Last night, the Allegheny County Council passed a landmark measure providing 12 weeks of paid parental leave to new parents, making the county the first in the nation to enact such a policy. The measure passed by a vote of 11-4.

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The historic victory follows a months-long grassroots organizing campaign led in part by Pittsburgh United, a grant recipient of Marguerite Casey Foundation, alongside a coalition of community organizations, workers, and advocates who fought to make paid parental leave a reality for working families across the county.

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“This victory is a powerful reminder that community organizing is democracy in action. Pittsburgh United and its partners have created a blueprint for improving life for working families, and it's exactly the kind of work Marguerite Casey Foundation is proud to support. We celebrate their extraordinary win,” said Carmen Rojas, President and CEO of Marguerite Casey Foundation (MCF).

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In 2025, MCF increased its giving to more than $100 million and gave all grant recipients increased funds. Earlier this year, MCF announced a historic commitment to dramatically increase its grantmaking again, pledging at least $500 million over the next ten years—a fifty percent increase over the last decade’s giving. The commitment reflects MCF’s belief that this moment demands bold investments in the people and organizations fighting to make government work for everyday people. 

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Pittsburgh United was one of the organizations to receive additional funds as a result of MCF’s increased payout.

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To speak with Carmen Rojas about this historic victory, the power of grassroots organizing, or Marguerite Casey Foundation’s approach to philanthropy, please contact Kristin Lynch at kristin@pinnaclecollective.co.

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About Marguerite Casey Foundation

Marguerite Casey Foundation supports organizations, leaders, scholars, and initiatives focused on shifting the balance of power in government—building power for communities that continue

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