Virginia lawmakers urge Governor Glenn Youngkin to approve paid family leave bill

Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D-Herndon) and Delegate Briana Sewell (D-Prince William) joined impacted Virginians at Hitchcock Paper Co. in Occoquan on Monday to call on Gov. Glenn Youngkin to sign legislation ensuring paid family and medical leave for workers across Virginia.
House Bill 2531, patroned by Sewell, would require the Virginia Employment Commission to set up a paid family and medical leave insurance program starting Jan. 1, 2028. Benefits will be provided to individuals for family and medical leave, funded by premiums from employers and employees starting Jan. 1, 2027. The bill aims to ensure up to 12 weeks of paid time off for workers to care for a loved one with a serious illness, welcome a new baby or recover from an injury. The program will provide a wage replacement of 80% and protect workers’ jobs and access to health coverage for the duration of their leave.
Sewell’s legislation, HB 2531, passed both chambers of the General Assembly on Feb. 12 with a 21-18 vote and is now awaiting Youngkin’s decision. The governor has one week from Monday to either sign or veto the bill.