Chrischa Ives, a resident of Virginia Beach, is pushing state legislators to consider a paid family leave program. Ives, who recently lost her daughter to a rare medical condition, believes that such a policy would assist individuals like herself who have to take time off work to cater to their loved ones’ health crises. Proposals for paid family leave have been rejected in the past, with legislators citing concerns of the cost burden on businesses. However, this year, House Bill 737 and Senate Bill 373, sponsored by Delegate Briana Sewell and Senator Jennifer Boysko respectively, aim to establish a paid family leave benefit equal to a maximum of 80% of the state average weekly wage. These benefits, which would be funded like the state’s unemployment insurance benefit, could help many families who cannot afford unpaid leave from work. Gynecologist Shannon Weatherford shared her observations of patients deferring medical care because they cannot afford to take time off from work. More than a dozen states, including California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and others, already have mandatory paid leave benefits in place. Chrischa Ives hopes that sharing her daughter’s story will persuade legislators to consider and pass the proposed paid family leave policy.