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RICHMOND, Va. — Legislation to expand access to Paid Family and Medical Leave passed the House Appropriations Committee yesterday on a 12 to 10 vote. Senate Bill 373, championed by Senator Jennifer Boysko (D-Fairfax) and Delegate Briana Sewell (D-Prince William), would create a Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) insurance program in Virginia. SB 373 would ensure Virginians have access to paid leave, a critical need for the 78% of Virginia workers — roughly 3.4 million — without access to this tool.
“This is the sixth year I have worked on this and I am proud to see Paid Family and Medical Leave advancing in the General Assembly,” said Senator Boysko. “The legislation is built on the simple concept that no Virginian should have to choose between their economic security and caring for themselves or a loved one. I am delighted to be working with my colleagues in the House of Delegates to get this legislation to the Governor’s desk.”
The bill would create an insurance program and fund to ensure a covered employee is paid during their leave. For an employee earning $50,000 per year, the employer and employee would each pay an estimated $4.57 per week into the fund. The amount paid to workers while they are away will vary depending on income, but will typically be 80 percent of the worker’s regular pay.
“This legislation will be life-changing for millions of hardworking Virginia families, not only for the workers who will have access to paid leave but for the small business owners who will get support to provide this leave to their employees” said House Appropriations Chair Luke Torian (D-Prince William). “This legislation is good for workers and good for business.”
In a survey of employers in a state that recently adopted Paid Family and Medical Leave, nearly 93 percent of respondents found that implementing the program had either positive or neutral effects on their businesses. Small businesses reported benefitting more than big businesses.
“For far too long, people have been forced to make the incredibly difficult decision of caring for someone they love or skipping a paycheck,” said Delegate Briana Sewell (D-Prince William), who this year carried the House cognate HB 737. “Women, and Black Women in particular, are hard-hit by this challenge because we are often the de facto caregivers for our parents and our children. This is a historic first step and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. I am deeply committed to continuing the fight for Paid Family & Medical Leave for all Virginians!”
If women in Virginia participated in the labor force at the same rate as women in countries with paid leave, there would be an estimated 73,000 additional workers in the state and $2.7 billion more wages earned statewide.
“Passing Paid Family and Medical Leave in Virginia will allow hardworking people to care for their families emotionally, physically and financially,” said Rhena Hicks, Executive Director of Freedom Virginia. “It is time to pass this pro-worker, pro-family legislation. We’re encouraged by the support legislators have shown for this policy, and look forward to the full vote on the floor.”
SB 373 will be considered on the House floor in the coming days.
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