|
RICHMOND, Va. — Today, legislation to guarantee access to Paid Family and Medical Leave for all Virginians, SB2, patroned by Senator Jennifer Boysko (D-Fairfax), and HB1207, patroned by Delegate Briana Sewell (D-Woodbridge), passed both chambers. SB2 passed for a final time by a 21-18 vote in the Senate and a 62-33 vote in the House. HB1207 passed for a final time by a 62-33 vote in the House and 21-18 in the Senate. Both bills will now go to Governor Spanberger’s desk, where she is expected to sign the landmark legislation.
The bills will expand access to Paid Family and Medical Leave for the 3.4 million Virginia workers without access to paid leave, and will ensure that all Virginians are able to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave each year when experiencing events like caring for a new baby or recovering from a serious illness or injury. Virginians will receive 80% wage replacement and protection of their health care coverage. On average, a typical Virginia worker taking four weeks of unpaid leave will lose $3,700 in income.
“I have had the honor of advocating for Paid Family and Medical Leave for years. I know firsthand the sacrifices Virginians make when they need to take time off to care for themselves and their loved ones, and I’m grateful that no one will have to face those tough decisions anymore,” said advocate and impacted parent Chrischa Ives. “Thank you to Delegate Sewell, Senator Boysko, and everyone who worked tirelessly for the betterment of Virginia’s families. And thank you to Governor Spanberger for realizing the importance of this legislation and the difference it will make for so many across the great state of Virginia. I am incredibly excited to see Paid Family and Medical Leave become law.”
The legislation has garnered attention from the broader business community, with Patagonia, Etsy – which supports and uplifts small businesses – and Alexis Ohanian – the co-founder of Reddit – sending letters in support of Paid Family and Medical Leave to members of the General Assembly and the governor this session.
“As a pediatrician, I know that Paid Family and Medical Leave can be transformative for child health,” said advocate Dr. Megan Prior. “Paid leave policies reduce infant hospital admissions, child mortality and parental mental health problems. They increase breastfeeding rates and improve immunization. This legislation is a huge step forward for Virginia.”
Across the country and in Virginia, momentum has been growing for Paid Family and Medical Leave. Thirteen states and the District of Columbia guarantee access to Paid Family and Medical Leave, including Minnesota and Maine, which passed legislation in 2023. Virginia is now set to become the 14th state in the country to provide Paid Family and Medical Leave.
“Its been a long road to get here, but Paid Family and Medical Leave is finally on its way to becoming law,” said Freedom Virginia Co-Executive Director Rhena Hicks. “The endless support of advocates and tireless work from the patrons has all paid off today. Virginians deserve guaranteed access to paid leave, and they’ll get it with this legislation. Hardworking people will no longer have to make impossible choices between their paycheck and caring for themselves or their loved ones. We are thankful to the General Assembly for passing this legislation again this year, and we are excited to see Governor Spanberger make Paid Family and Medical Leave a reality for Virginians.”
|
