Paid family and medical leave would boost Virginia’s small businesses

It is a fact that many Virginians can’t afford to take time off work to welcome a new child or to attend to their own or a family member’s serious health condition. That’s why it’s extremely disappointing that Gov. Glenn Youngkin once again vetoed a bill that would establish a state-run paid family and medical leave program becomes law.

My small business has fewer than 25 employees, and it’s too difficult and expensive for me to have a formal paid leave policy on my own. I still try to help my employees and offer what time off I can, but I can’t match the 12 weeks of paid leave that legislation passed by the Virginia General Assembly would provide.

A state-run program would allow my employees to access this crucial benefit without imposing a burden on my business. In fact, it would make it easier for me to recruit and retain talented employees who could instead choose to work for a large corporation that can afford to offer paid leave.

It’s a shame that many of Virginia’s workers have to choose between taking the time they need off work or missing a paycheck due to the governor’s veto. I urge our legislators to reintroduce this legislation next year to support our state’s job creators and their workforce.

Shirley Modlin is the owner of 3D Design And Manufacturing LLC and is a member of Small Business Majority's network.