HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) – Two Pennsylvania senators have introduced legislation to establish a family and medical leave insurance program in the state.

Sens. Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) and Maria Collett (D-Montgomery/Bucks) said under their proposal, The Family Care Act, working people would make contributions to the program from their earnings.

People could then use the fund to care for themselves or a close family member in the event of a serious health condition, to care for a new child, or to care for a member of the military in qualifying circumstances.

“The program created by this legislation would provide a basic ‘safety net’ that would allow for some financial stability for families during their time of need,” Laughlin said in a statement. “In times of crisis, especially when it involves a serious health issue, families have enough to be concerned about without having to worry about how they are going to pay their bills.”

The program would be administered by the Department of Labor and Industry.

Laughlin and Collett said the leave benefits would be calculated on a graduated scale to make sure the program is accessible to all workers, regardless of how much they earn.