Supporting Workers & Growing the Economy
Senator Favola believes that all Virginians should be able to share in the prosperity that a vibrant economy can produce. She has worked to raise the minimum wage, and is committed to achieving a minimum wage of $15 an hour for all workers throughout the Commonwealth. Senator Favola also supported legislation to provide overtime protections for workers under state law.
Senator Favola has pushed to ensure that workers have the economic supports needed to care for themselves and their families. She is a leading advocate for paid sick leave because no one should have to choose between their health and their paycheck. Senator Favola is also committed to implementing paid family leave so workers are able to take the time they need to care for new children and seriously ill family members. As part of her continued effort to support working families, Senator Favola passed legislation to increase access to quality, affordable childcare, and was granted a Childcare Champion award for those efforts from Virginia Promise in Action.
Senator Favola sponsored and supported legislation to remove barriers to achieving a college education or workforce credential. She understands that one’s earning potential exponentially grows with post-high school educational experiences, and will always advocate to make these experiences available and affordable, especially to underserved populations.
Senator Favola is a strong supporter of Virginia’s labor unions. She was proud to help repeal the ban on collective bargaining for local government employees. This enabled localities to pass ordinances allowing our firefighters, EMS workers, and others who serve our communities to bargain for better wages and working conditions. She also supported legislation to allow localities to enter into project labor agreements so that government-funded construction projects are completed in a safe, timely, and cost-effective manner.
Senator Favola was proud to receive the endorsement of several labor unions in her 2023 election, including: LiUNA - BWLDC, SEIU Virginia 512, and the Virginia AFL-CIO.