Virginia Becomes First Southern State to Mandate Paid Family and Medical Leave

Virginia became the first Southern state to mandate paid family and medical leave for workers. Governor Glenn Youngkin signed the legislation into law this week after it passed the state legislature with bipartisan support.

The law will provide Virginia workers with up to 12 weeks of paid leave for family or medical reasons, including the birth or adoption of a child, a serious health condition, or caring for a family member with a serious health condition. The program will be funded through small payroll contributions from both employers and employees.

Virginia joins a growing number of states that have enacted paid leave laws. Thirteen states and the District of Columbia now have paid family and medical leave programs. No other Southern state has a similar law.

Supporters said the law will help working families, particularly low-income workers who cannot afford to take unpaid leave. Women and workers of color are disproportionately affected by the lack of paid leave, advocates said.

"This is a major step forward for working families in Virginia," said one labor advocate. "No one should have to choose between their job and caring for a newborn or a sick parent."

Some business groups raised concerns about the cost of the program and its impact on small businesses. The law includes provisions to help small employers manage the transition.

The federal government does not mandate paid family and medical leave. The Family and Medical Leave Act requires employers to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave, but many workers cannot afford to take unpaid time off.

Financial advisers say workers should understand their state's paid leave benefits and factor them into their financial planning, particularly when preparing for major life events like having a child or dealing with a serious illness.