Dear ,

It's been a consequential week in Virginia. Following the passage of the redistricting referendum, the General Assembly reconvened yesterday to review Governor Spanberger's actions on pending legislation, voting to accept or reject her amendments and considering whether to override any vetoes by a two-thirds majority. 

We are excited that the legislature approved the governor’s recommendations for several bills that we’ve been supporting, including: 

• HB1441/SB783 – Limiting local law enforcement collaboration with ICE 

• HB1279/SB388 – Yes, In God’s Back Yard - gives faith communities (and other nonprofits exempt from property tax) automatic permission to build multi-family affordable housing 

One of our top priority bills, Paid Sick Days, was on the agenda. While Gov. Spanberger's recommendations preserved the core intent of the bill, the two chambers could not reach an agreement: 

• HB5/SB199 – Paid Sick Days were passed by for the day 

Because the chambers did not agree, the original version of the bill now returns to Gov. Spanberger's desk, and she must decide whether to sign or veto it. 

URGENT CALL TO ACTION: Email Governor Spanberger Today  

We cannot let the Paid Sick Days bill fail. The patrons of this legislation have worked tirelessly to craft a bill that would expand access to paid sick days for working Virginians across the Commonwealth. As so many families continue to face rising healthcare costs and mounting economic pressures, this bill offers a meaningful lifeline, eliminating the impossible choice between going to work sick and losing a day's pay. 

The Governor needs to hear from you. Please send your email today and urge her to sign the paid sick days bill into law. 

In Solidarity,

Keisha

Rev. Dr. LaKeisha Cook
Executive Director

The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy advocates economic,
racial, and social justice in Virginia’s policies and practices
through education, prayer, and action.