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Why This Matters for Virginia Families
In Matthew 25, Jesus tells us that when we care for the sick, we are caring for Him. Unfortunately, Virginia law doesn't heed this teaching, leaving over 1.2 million workers without access to paid sick leave.
For many of our neighbors, missing just three days of pay is often the difference between keeping the lights on and falling into the darkness of debt.
We can do better.
Which is why, as Christians, we are supporting HB5— a practical way to live out the Gospel, ensuring that no hard-working Virginian is penalized for the human reality of illness.
Inasmuch as we do it for the "least of these," we do it for Him. It is time to ensure that every Virginia family is cared for in their time of need.
Who HB5 Helps
House Bill 5 requires employers to provide paid sick leave to Virginia workers. Under this legislation, all private and public sector employees would earn one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked. This time can be used to recover from physical or mental illness, seek a medical diagnosis, or care for a family member who is ill.
This means mothers who have suffered miscarriages and need time to heal and grieve, parents with sick children, and adult children who care for their elders — all will have the chance to take care of themselves and their loved ones without risking the roof over their heads.
Benefits of Paid Sick Leave
Financial Stability for Families
For many Virginia families, the loss of just a few days' pay is a financial catastrophe. Paid sick leave acts as a safety net, ensuring that a common flu or a child’s ear infection doesn't lead to an eviction notice or a missed utility payment. By keeping wages steady during illness, we prevent families from falling into a cycle of debt and reliance on emergency public assistance.
Better for Small Businesses & Our Economy
One of the most persistent myths is that paid sick leave burdens our economy, but the reality is quite the opposite. Short-term and long-term paid leave benefits are actually good for business because they help employers retain talented workers and significantly boost workplace morale.
Furthermore, when we ensure workers don't lose their income during an illness, we keep money in people’s pockets. This allows families to continue buying the goods and services that fuel our local Virginia economy, creating a cycle of stability rather than a downward spiral of debt.
Preventing the Spread of Illness
When a worker cannot afford to stay home, they bring their illness into the community—to our restaurant kitchens, our grocery stores, and our office cubicles. Paid sick leave is a practical tool for public health; it allows contagious individuals to isolate and recover, which reduces the overall "viral load" in our schools and workplaces, keeping the rest of the public safe and healthy.
A Better Future for Virginia Families
The positive impact that a Paid Sick Leave program will have on Virginia families can’t be understated.
Workers will no longer have to choose between their health and their livelihood. Parents will be able to stay home with a coughing toddler and adult children will be able to take an elderly parent to a life-saving medical appointment.
Our communities will be healthier; our economy will be more resilient; and our families will be more secure.
Join Us Praying for a Paid Sick Leave Program in Virginia!
As Christians, we pray that our leaders will champion paid sick leave for Virginia, which will strengthen our communities, fortify our economy, and follow Christ's teachings. We pray for a Virginia where no one is forced to work through pain and illness just to make ends meet, and where our laws truly serve hard-working families. Inasmuch as we do it for the "least of these," we do it for Him.
