Small Business Owners Join Va. Governor at Paid Leave Bill Signing

On May 11, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed legislation to establish a Commonwealth-run paid family and medical leave program. Small Business Majority Virginia Council Members Monica Jackson and Shirley Modlin attended the signing ceremony in Richmond to show their support for the new program. As a childcare provider and small business owner, Monica has a unique understanding of how paid leave benefits both working families and small businesses. She shared her perspective at the event, explaining how the program would help level the playing field for small businesses like hers by helping her recruit and retain employees.

 “As a small employer, I face challenges that large companies often don’t. I’m unable to offer paid family leave because of the size of my business,” Monica said during the ceremony. “However, these benefits are needed, and they help to attract skilled workers essential to maintain and run a high-quality child care program.”

Both self-employed small business owners and small business employees will be eligible for the program, which will be funded by a small payroll contribution shared by covered employers and employees. Enrollees will be able to access this benefit on December 1, 2028 and they can take up to 12 weeks of paid leave for significant life events like caring for a new child or caring for their own or a family member’s serious health condition.

Small Business Majority’s research found that most entrepreneurs are supportive of programs like Virginia’s: 84% said that paid leave programs help employers better retain workers and 83% believe that paid leave programs give businesses more reason to invest in workers. It’s clear that paid leave both supports families during life’s most critical moments and is a fiscally responsible economic policy. 

As Virginia implements the first paid family and medical leave program in the South, Small Business Majority will stay involved. We will inform entrepreneurs about what this means for their businesses and later share their experience with the program with Virginia policymakers to ensure it meets their needs.