RICHMOND, Va. – Last night, Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed HB2531, patroned by Delegate Briana Sewell (D-Prince William), a bill guaranteeing access to Paid Family and Medical Leave for the 3.4 million Virginians who currently lack that benefit.
The bill would have set up an insurance fund so businesses could provide employees up to 12 weeks of paid leave for life events like welcoming a new child, caring for a loved one, or recovering from a serious illness or injury. The Paid Family and Medical Leave program would have provided employees with up to 80% wage replacement and allowed them to maintain their health care coverage for the duration of their leave.
“Governor Youngkin’s veto of Paid Family and Medical Leave is not only disappointing but deeply concerning for hardworking Virginians who need this essential support. This bill had the backing of small businesses, doctors, and Virginia families. Paid leave is vital to attracting and retaining a strong workforce and would have strengthened Virginia’s economy by ensuring workers can care for their loved ones without risking their livelihoods,” said Delegate Sewell. “I am disheartened for the small business owners who want to provide this benefit to remain competitive with large companies, the patients and caregivers who struggle to receive essential care and support their loved ones on their darkest days, and as if being a parent is not hard enough, those who will continue to make the impossible choice of caring for their child and keeping food on the table. Virginia deserves better. I remain committed to making Paid Family and Medical Leave a reality and look forward to working with our next governor to ensure it becomes law.”
“I’m disappointed in the governor’s decision to veto Paid Family and Medical Leave. This bill would have ensured Virginians access to paid leave when they needed it most,” said Senator Jennifer Boysko (D-Fairfax), who carried companion legislation in the Senate. “Too many families face the impossible choice between financial security and caring for themselves and their loved ones. This legislation would have guaranteed access to paid leave and made Virginia one of a growing number of states with a Paid Family and Medical Leave program. Our commonwealth needs this, and we will have the opportunity next year under a new administration to give all Virginia families access to Paid Family and Medical Leave.”
“I’m heartbroken to see Governor Youngkin veto legislation to establish Paid Family and Medical Leave in Virginia,” said impacted Virginia Beach resident Chrischa Ives. “This legislation hits home for me as a mother and caregiver. My daughter Gabrielle fought a lifelong battle with Hardikar Syndrome that ended in 2020. I was one of millions of Virginians without access to paid leave, and I sacrificed financial security to be by my daughter’s side when she needed me most. I would do it all again to support my daughter. Still, the governor’s decision to veto this bill will hurt hardworking Virginia families, forcing them to make impossible decisions. I hope next year Paid Family and Medical Leave will become a reality for Virginia families.”
“The governor has failed hardworking Virginia families with his decision to veto legislation to establish Paid Family and Medical Leave,” said Freedom Virginia co-Executive Director Rhena Hicks. “This is common-sense legislation that would provide Virginia workers with financial stability when they need to take time off to care for themselves and their families. The bill would have helped businesses retain and attract workers, allowing small businesses to compete on a level playing field with big businesses, which would have made a lasting impact on our economy in Virginia. Governor Youngkin’s veto is not a win for Virginia, but we will continue the fight for Paid Family and Medical Leave for families next year under a new governor.”
