RICHMOND, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Virginia Senate passed a measure requiring the Virginia Employment Commission to establish and administer a paid family and medical leave insurance program with benefits beginning January 1st, 2029.

Before the vote, Hanover County Senator Ryan McDougle argued on the floor that this bill is a tax on both the employer and the employee.

“So, as we look at what the expense is, and we talk about affordability, there’s certainly some benefits to this program, but employees and employers are going to pay a tax to get it. This is not free, this is going to cost people,” McDougle said.

Despite the argument, the bill passed on a party-line 21-19 vote and will now head to the House where delegates passed a similar measure Monday.