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THE BIG IDEA

Legislators push Youngkin to give paid family leave the green light

Virginia lawmakers are turning up the heat on Governor Glenn Youngkin to sign legislation that would give state employees paid family leave.

The bill (SB1219) would provide 12 weeks of paid time off to state workers for things like:

• Welcoming a new baby

• Dealing with a serious health condition

• Taking care of a sick family member

Democratic legislators, who control both chambers of the General Assembly, pushed the measure through despite opposition from some fiscal conservatives.

Right now, state employees have to burn through their sick and vacation days when life happens. Not exactly a recruiting tool for top talent in a competitive job market.

Senator Barbara Favola, the bill's champion, called it a "commonsense policy" that would boost employee retention and make Virginia a more attractive employer. No-brainer, right?

The measure would cover about 119,000 state employees, and while the price tag is still being calculated, supporters argue the long-term benefits—including reduced turnover and increased productivity—far outweigh the costs.

Youngkin's office is playing it close to the vest, saying only that the governor "will review all legislation that reaches his desk." The clock is ticking. The governor has until April 8 to sign, veto, or amend the bill.

If he opts for door number three (amendments), legislators would need to reconvene to consider the changes. If Virginia joins the paid leave party, it would put the Commonwealth in line with several other states that already offer similar benefits to public employees.

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Reader Restaurant Recommendation:

Chris recommends you guys visit The Broiler in Arlington. They’ve been around the since 1959, and they say they have the best steak subs. Any place with the balls to claim that is definitely a must-try.

LIVE EVENT LOWDOWN

Friday

• Capital Art and Crafts Festival | the three-day event kicks off today at Dulles Expo Center 🧑‍🎨 

• 36th Annual Evening of Comedy | The Barns at Wolf Trap transforms into a comedy club with top stand-up comedians. There’s four shows this weekend and only a few tickets left! 🎙️ 

• Women’s Storytelling Festival | an in-person celebration of storytellers at Sherwood Community Center in Fairfax 📚️ 

• FISH AND CHIPS! | beer battered hand-dipped haddock and homemade sides at Bluemont Station Brewery and Winery 🍟 

Saturday

• Georgetown Spring Art Walk | a dozen local venues showcasing fine artwork, and a chance to to meet the artists! 🖼️ 

• BBQ Fest | a pet and family-friendly day of grilled meats, craft beer, games, competitions, and more at Shipgarten in McLean 🍖 

•  TGS Arlington’s STEAM Event | hands-on STEAM activities for the whole family at The Gardner School in Arlington 🧪 

•  Fiesta del Sol | an evening of Latin-American and Caribbean flavors, music, and culture at McLean Community Center ☀️ 

•  The Art of Prompt Writing | an introduction to the fundamentals artificial intelligence tools at Westover Library in Arlington 🤖 

•  Masala & Chutney Affair | unlimited dosa, gol gappa, jalebi, and other more at Dulles Town Center (Saturday and Sunday) 🇮🇳 

• Tysons March Madness | a men’s doubles pickleball tournament at The Pickleball Club of Tysons 🏓 

Sunday

• Holi Hungama | the annual celebration is back for its seventeenth year at Quincy Park in Arlington 🪔 

• Bagels, Butter, and Cream Cheese Class | learn how to make all kinds of bagels and spreads at the Grounds of Livev in Oakton 🥯

•  NoVA Thai Festival | martial arts, Thai Massages, 40 Thai food trucks, and more in Manassas. Kid and pet friendly 🇹🇭 

•  Profs & Pints | Professor Stanley Joseph Stepanic lectures about the rivalry between Nosferatu and Dracula, in Sterling 🧛 

• 2025 Love Loudoun | a showcase of why LoCo is a great wedding destination at Lansdowne Resort and Spa 💒 

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