Dear ,
Yesterday, hundreds of volunteers across the Commonwealth gave their time and energy as poll chaplains, peacekeepers, and election protection volunteers. More than 150 Virginia faith leaders served as poll chaplains and peacekeepers, a new initiative for our organization, and we are deeply grateful to each of them.
My heart was full as news came in of long lines at colleges and universities across the state. Beautiful weather provided the perfect backdrop for voters to cast their ballots.
But that spirit of showing up doesn't end when the polls close. Virginians made their voices heard at the ballot box, and now they have another opportunity to do so—this time on paid sick days.
After years of strong advocacy by the Virginia Interfaith Center and our coalition partners, Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed HB5 and SB199 into law, guaranteeing paid sick leave to more than one million Virginia workers who currently have no paid time off. Starting July 1, 2027, workers at employers with 50 or more employees will earn one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours (five days) a year. They can use it to care for themselves or a family member or for absences related to domestic violence. Coverage expands to employers with 25 or more employees on Jan. 1, 2028, and to all employers with at least one employee on Jan. 1, 2029. Almost every Virginia worker will also be protected from retaliation for exercising their new rights.
The law passed, but the details are still being written. The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry has posted its proposed regulation, and your voice can help shape how the law is put into practice.
Take Action
- Submit a public comment by Jan. 1, 2027.
Visit this link to the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall, review the proposed regulation, and share your feedback. The comment period is open now through Jan. 1, 2027.
- Tell your own story.
The most powerful comments are personal, not copied and pasted. Share how paid sick days would affect you, your family, your congregation, or your community. Need a starting point? See sample comments here.
- Join our virtual workshop.
Want to learn more before you comment? Join VICPP at noon on Wednesday, Dec. 9, for a virtual workshop about the paid sick days regulation process. Click below to register for the workshop.
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