Statement of Jocelyn Frye, President of the National Partnership for Women & Families
WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 20, 2026 – “Today, we stand alongside Virginia’s hardworking advocates, workers and families to celebrate another historic and important win in the state, and to express deep gratitude to Governor Abigail Spanberger for signing paid sick and safe leave into law today. HB5/SB199 gives workers the right to earn paid time off from work for medical care, legal support or safe housing when they need it most – whether due to illness or to find safety from domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking.
“For many workers, and especially low-income workers, just a few days of lost pay is equivalent to losing an entire month’s worth of groceries or health care expenses. And for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, paid safe leave is a necessity that would provide them time off to seek medical care, legal support or safe housing without risking any semblance of economic stability they might possess while trapped in abusive relationships.
“When combined together, short-term paid sick and safe leave, along with long-term paid family and medical leave policies help support workers, improve their health, strengthen businesses and keep communities thriving. Virginia is now part of a vanguard of states that have passed paid sick leave laws despite the federal government failing to act. These important policy choices show the rest of the country how to truly center the needs of working people and families.
“We at the National Partnership will take this momentum into the fights ahead. We remain committed to working alongside partners, advocates and lawmakers in states across the country to advance national policy that supports workers, and ensures every person can care for themselves and their loved ones regardless of where they live or who their employer is.
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