VA

On April 8, Small Business Majority State Policy & Advocacy Vice President Awesta Sarkash sent a letter to Governor Spanberger urging her to sign legislation that would establish a Commonwealth-run paid family and medical leave program into law.

On March 2, DelfinoCo Founder and CEO Giovanni Delfino testified in support of HB1207. This legislation would create a Commonweatlh-run state paid family and medical leave program that self-employed small business owners could opt into.

On February 20, Small Business Majority State Policy & Advocacy Vice President Awesta Sarkash sent a letter to Virginia policymakers urging them to support a budget amendment that would increase funding for the CDFI fund so that Virginia entrepreneurs can access the capital they need to start and grow their small businesses.

On February 19, Small Business Majority State Policy & Advocacy Vice President Awesta Sarkash sent a letter to the Virginia Committee House General Laws: Subcommittee on Housing/Consumer Protection urging them to pass SB 177. This legislation would protect reproductive health data privacy.

On February 5, Small Business Majority Senior Public Policy Director Awesta Sarkash submitted written testimony to the Virginia House Labor and Commerce Committee in support of HB 121, legislation that would prohibit the use of surveillance pricing in connection with a consumer transaction. 

On January 29, Small Business Majority Senior Public Policy Director Awesta submitted written testimony to the Virginia House Labor and Commerce Committee Subcommittee #2 in support of HB 1207, legislation that would establish a paid family and medical leave program.

On January 21, Senior Public Policy Director Awesta Sarkash sent a letter to House Labor & Commerce Subcommittee #1 Chair Maldonado, urging her to pass HB 483. This legislation would establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to rein in out-of-control price hikes for prescription medication.

On January 21, Senior Public Policy Director Awesta Sarkash sent a letter to Virginia House Appropriations Committee Chairman Torian in support of HB 176, State-facilitated IRA savings program. This legislation would lower the threshold for eligible employers with five or more employees so that they may participate in the program. This change to the program would ensure small businesses are able to attract and retain employees and offer benefits that larger companies already offer.

Today, Public Policy Director Awesta Sarkash sent a letter to Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin urging him to sign SB 826, Predetermination for licensing eligibility; prior convictions. The bill would provide much-needed clarity and fairness in Virginia’s occupational licensing laws by ensuring that entrepreneurs with prior convictions are not unfairly denied a license to work in their chosen profession.