RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia lawmakers gave final approval Friday to a measure that would provide certain home health care workers paid sick leave.
The final product was a compromise agreement that fell far short of what advocates of the measure were initially hoping to see. Still, the bill’s sponsor and other supporters called it a first step forward on what’s been a divisive issue, even among the Democrats who control state government.
The House voted 54-44 to approve Senate changes to the bill, sending it to Gov. Ralph Northam.
The measure as passed would allow up to five sick days a year, unless an employer chooses a higher limit, for home health care workers serving Medicaid patients. Advocates of the bill have said that’s about 30,000 people.
The bill as introduced would have covered a far wider range of workers deemed “essential.”
A budget agreement lawmakers are poised to vote on Saturday funds the measure with public money.
Del. Mark Sickles urged final passage of the bill, saying the measure would not affect the private sector “whatsoever.”
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