Virginia lawmakers push for paid family/medical leave program

Virginia Lawmakers and advocates are pushing for the General Assembly to create a paid family and medical leave program in Virginia.  One bill in the House and one bill in the Senate are making their way through the General Assembly to create a state-run family and medical leave program for the state. Both bills have advanced from committee entirely along party lines, with all Democrats voting in favor and Republicans voting against. Such a program would give qualified workers 12 weeks of paid time off if they need to leave work for certain life events. Examples include caring for a new child, or taking care of a loved one or themselves for serious medical conditions. If it becomes law, the program would work similar to unemployment in Virginia, with most employers and employees paying into the program.