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We appreciate all who took part in our Virtual Day of Action yesterday. I heard from many of you who contacted your legislators and shared our legislative priorities for 2026. THANK YOU!
Despite the weather, VBCF was able to provide live testimony to the House Labor and Commerce Subcommittee in support of HB1207, (Delegate Sewell, D25 -Prince William), which would establish Paid Family and Medical Leave Program in the Commonwealth.
Dr. Priti Shah, VBCF Board Member, provided powerful testimony about her sister's struggle to keep up financially after her stage IV cancer diagnosis. While undergoing treatment, her sister only had access to unpaid leave from her job.
Dr. Shah shared:
"She still had bills to pay - rent, utilities, car insurance - and now expensive medical bills on top of that. Her out-of-pocket costs for just her chemotherapy every 3 weeks was $1,400. As a physician, I witness patients postpone or forgo treatment - or go back to work before they are ready - because they cannot afford to be out of work AND pay their regular bills AND also their medical bills.”
In good news, HB1207 was voted out of the subcommittee! Next, the bill will be considered by the full House Labor and Commerce committee. We will keep you posted about opportunities to support this bill and our other priorities throughout the General Assembly Session.
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