Thank you for the opportunity to provide a public comment.

As someone who lives and works in Virginia, it is important to me that all workers have access to paid time to care for themselves and their families. It is equally important to me that all workers have protection when exercising their rights.

I urge the Department of Labor and Industry to utilize all the resources to craft strong regulations that will ensure that no worker in Virginia needs to make the difficult choice between their health or a paycheck. Virginia can learn from other states that implemented strong paid sick leave regulations. For example, states like Colorado, Minnesota, and New Mexico, have detailed Frequently Asked Questions, posters, interpretive guidance, and sample notices for employers and employees.

Furthermore, I urge the Commissioner of Labor to tighten any loose ends in the new law. It is important that the Commissioner provides clear guidance regarding paid sick leave accrual for employees who are employed on a “fee-for-service” basis. Those workers need to be able to access paid sick leave just like the rest of the workers covered under the new law.

Respectfully,

Ramón Zepeda Ramos