Virginia’s Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger, who takes office in January, has promised to make a number of changes to benefit private sector employees throughout the state. Virginia state lawmakers in the General Assembly who support those changes are already working on legislation for her signature.
Some of this legislation has previously been vetoed multiple times by outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin. This includes a bill that would establish mandatory paid family medical leave (PFML). This is becoming increasingly common throughout the U.S.
An official with a group that has long advocated for a law guaranteeing paid leave says, “We’re grateful for the prioritization of Paid Family and Medical Leave for the 2026 General Assembly session….Virginians need the certainty of a paycheck more than ever amid skyrocketing costs, and no one should have to forgo a paycheck just to care for a loved one or a new baby.”
How will PFML work?
The newest bill establishes an insurance program funded by both employers and employees to begin paying benefits at the start of 2029. It states that “the amount of a benefit is 80 percent of the employee’s average weekly wage, not to exceed 100 percent of the statewide average weekly wage… to be adjusted annually to reflect changes in the statewide average weekly wage.” Employees can get paid leave at “12 weeks in any application year.” Self-employed Virginia residents would also be able to participate in the program.
Programs like these take some time to get up and running in part because they require funding in advance of benefits being paid out. That’s why it would still be a few years down the road.
More employee-friendly legislation likely to become law
This and other legislation intended to help employees is likely to succeed with those supporting it (largely Democrats) in the majority in the General Assembly and in the Governor’s Office. These other bills include increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2028 and a child care employee assistance program.
Regardless of an employee’s political affiliation or how they feel about their elected representatives, it’s important for all Virginia workers to know their rights and the benefits to which they’re entitled under the law. If an employer isn’t abiding by the law, it’s crucial for employees to assert their rights. When that doesn’t work, getting experienced legal guidance can prove highly beneficial.