State Coalition Will Launch Paid Leave Works for West Virginia in Response to the American Families Plan

Media Advisory: April 29, 2021
Contact: Gretchen Frankenberry, 304-444-4695

Charleston, WV – On Monday, May 3 at 4:00pm, a broad coalition of stakeholders will launch Paid Leave Works for WV, a statewide advocacy campaign in support of comprehensive Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML). The virtual launch will include a panel of West Virginians directly impacted by the need for paid leave and a short update on how the proposed PFML policy in President Biden’s American Families Plan will impact families and businesses in the Mountain State.

Paid Leave Works for WV is focused on advocating for a robust paid family and medical leave policy that ensures no one has to choose between their job and caring for themselves or a loved one.

The American Families Plan, announced last night by President Biden in his joint address to Congress, includes the creation of a comprehensive Paid Family and Medical Leave program. Currently, even unpaid leave is inaccessible for nearly 60 percent of West Virginia workers, frequently putting families and businesses in no-win situations where workers are forced to choose between their jobs and taking time off when it is most needed. In contrast, under the American Families Plan, workers will be guaranteed up to 12 weeks of paid parental, family, and personal illness leave.

Kelly Allen, executive director of the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, speaks to the moment, stating, “Last night’s unveiling of robust care infrastructure in the American Families Plan was groundbreaking and long overdue. The time to pass a strong paid leave policy that covers all workers is now, and we are excited to work with our congressional delegation to help make it a reality.”

“Too many West Virginians have been faced with making the impossible choice between collecting a paycheck or caring for their loved ones — a parent, a spouse, a child,” said Jim McKay, state director of Prevent Child Abuse WV. “We know that paid leave works, and access to comprehensive paid medical leave will only help our children, our families, and our businesses truly thrive.”

What: Paid Leave Works for WV Campaign Launch

Who: Paid Leave Works for WV Coalition. Speakers will include:

• Kelly Allen, executive director of WV Center on Budget and Policy
• Sammi Brown, former WV state delegate and advocate for paid family and medical leave
• Three storytellers whose families have been personally impacted by the need for paid leave

When: Monday, May 3 at 4:00pm.

Where: Zoom (Please register in advance for this meeting): https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIodeypqzooGdQXLyqxHgnWL_wptFVLPtb4