Statement of Jocelyn Frye, President of the National Partnership for Women & Families
WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 24, 2026 – “This week, the Virginia legislature gave final approval to a comprehensive paid family and medical leave program in the Commonwealth, making Virginia the 15th state, including Washington, D.C., to enact a paid leave law and marking a major step forward for working families in the state. We are excited that more than 3 million Virginians will soon have access to paid leave to care for their family members or themselves when urgent needs arise.
“Our next step will be to see Virginia’s paid sick and safe leave legislation through to the finish line. If it becomes law, it would provide another important benefit for Virginia’s workers who face shorter-term illnesses and related caregiving needs or safety reasons. We are hopeful that the governor will sign the bill into law and add Virginia to the growing number of states that have passed similar legislation for their workers.
“At the National Partnership, we will not rest until both paid family and medical leave and paid sick days become the law for every worker across this country.”
# # #
Media Contact:
Gail Zuagar
Email
202-986-2600
