Former Congressman Tom Perriello to Visit Evie’s Bistro and Bakery for Roundtable on How Paid Family and Medical Leave Would Benefit Women-Owned Small Businesses

ROANOKE, Va. — On Friday, March 6 at 11 a.m., former Congressman Tom Perriello will visit Evie’s Bistro and Bakery for an informal roundtable on how a Paid Family and Medical Leave program would benefit women-owned small businesses. 

Participants will enjoy cake and coffee as they discuss the security that could come from small business owners and their employees having access to such a program. 

The federal Family and Medical Leave Act allows workers to take up to 12 weeks of job-protected, unpaid time off to care for themselves or family members in the event of serious illness or injury, or to care for a new baby. The FAMILY Act, federal legislation to create a comprehensive national Paid Family and Medical Leave program, has been introduced this Congress by U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro and Sen. Kristen Gillibrand. The legislation would ensure that workers can afford to take that extended time off by allowing them to receive up to 85 percent of their wages for up to 12 weeks. More information about that legislation can be found HERE. 

In Virginia, legislation to create a state Paid Family and Medical Leave program is making its way through the General Assembly. The bills are being championed by Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D-Fairfax) and Del. Briana Sewell (D-Prince William).

The event is sponsored by Americans for Healthy Families. 

WHO:

Former Congressman Tom Perriello

Amelia Ammann, Owner of Evie’s Bistro and Bakery Owner 

Celeste Hodges, Owner of Motel Studios

Hannah Kinder, Owner of Sanctuary Kitchen Gardens and Director of Operations and HR at Greener by Default

WHAT: Informal conversation over coffee and cake to discuss how a Paid Family and Medical Leave program can benefit women-owned businesses in Virginia. 

WHEN: Friday, March 6 from 11 a.m. to noon.

WHERE: Evie’s Bistro and Bakery. 1212 4th St SW, Roanoke, VA 24016