Beyer Hails Historic Virginia Paid Leave Law

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), today hailed the enactment of a new paid family and medical leave law in Virginia, passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Abigail Spanberger yesterday.

"I am overjoyed that Virginia has joined the ranks of states guaranteeing paid leave. This is a historic step forward by Governor Spanberger and the General Assembly for affordability, for families, for businesses and workers, and for a better and stronger Commonwealth," said Rep. Don Beyer. "Study after study shows that paid leave policies are good for workers and businesses, and the law enacted by the General Assembly will allow time to fund and adjust for the program. I applaud the Governor, Del. Sewell, Sen. Boysko, and all who fought for this landmark law. Every worker deserves guaranteed paid family and medical leave, and I will continue seeking passage of federal legislation so workers across the country can receive the benefits that Virginians will soon enjoy."

The paid leave law enacted by Virginia's General Assembly and signed yesterday by Governor Spanberger was introduced by Del. Briana Sewell and Sen. Jennifer Boysko. Per the Governor's office, it "creates a portable insurance program - funded by both workers and employers, similar to unemployment insurance - that allows Virginians to take up to twelve weeks of paid leave to address serious health needs for themselves or a family member, including parental leave," which would "significantly expand access to Virginia's workers and smaller employers who otherwise would not be able to offer such a benefit."

Analysis of the law from the Center For American Progress is available here.

Since taking office, Beyer has championed policies to guarantee universal paid family and medical leave to all workers. He previously helped secure paid leave for federal employees and veterans in the federal workforce, and used his position as Chair of Congress' Joint Economic Committee to bring attention to the need for federal paid leave policies.