SB 2: Paid Family Leave Insurance Program
🔴 THREAT LEVEL: HIGH
BILL SNAPSHOT
Bill Number: SB 2
Bill Patron: Sen. Jennifer B. Boysko
Issue Area: Employment
Who It Will Impact: Employers, Employees
QUICK SUMMARY
This bill establishes a government-controlled paid leave program that guarantees up to 12 weeks of paid leave at 80% of an employee’s average weekly wage, capped at the statewide average. Employers and employees would be required to fund the program through new payroll premiums, with costs beginning a year before benefits are paid out. Self-employed individuals may opt in voluntarily.
RALLY ANALYSIS
While framed as “family-friendly,” this bill represents a major expansion of government control over the workplace. It forces employers and employees into a one-size-fits-all insurance system.
The program would be administered by the Virginia Employment Commission, significantly expanding the scope, cost, and bureaucracy of state government. Employers, especially small businesses, would face significant new costs.
This bill also sets a dangerous precedent: once a payroll tax exists, it is far easier for future legislatures to raise premiums, expand benefits, or extend leave durations, increasing costs indefinitely.
WHY THIS MATTERS
- Employers pay more, and workers take home less pay
- Small businesses are hit hardest, with fewer resources to absorb new mandates
- Government replaces private benefits, discouraging employer-led innovation
RALLY VERDICT: ❌ OPPOSE
Rally Virginia strongly opposes this bill. Paid leave should be driven by employers, families, and free-market solutions, not by a costly, mandatory state-run insurance scheme.
RALLY RADAR — THREAT LEVEL LEGEND
⚫ CRITICAL THREAT — Immediate and severe harm; must be stopped
🔴 HIGH THREAT — Serious risk to safety, liberty, or governance
🟡 MODERATE THREAT — Concerning but limited scope
🟢 LOW THREAT — Minimal impact or symbolic
