Delaware, Virginia Enact Paid Family Leave for State Workers

State employees in Delaware and Virginia now have access to paid family leave, unlike some private-sector workers in those states.

The benefit for public workers is the first step toward a push by lawmakers in both states to pursue a broader paid leave mandate. Both Gov. Ralph Northam (D-Va.) and Gov. John Carney (D-Del.) say the leave helps the state governments attract and retain top talent.

Virginia and Delaware are just the latest localities to provide public employees with paid family leave. Over 40 municipalities across the country have paid family leave for municipal workers, and six states and the ...