Thank you for the opportunity to provide a public comment. I work directly in-home with children with autism and other developmental needs on a daily basis. As an employee of Compass Behavioral Group, paid sick leave is extremely important to me. Compass currently provides employees with zero days of paid sick leave, despite the fact that our work requires close, hands-on interaction with children who can frequently expose us to illnesses through coughing, sneezing, and other forms of contact. Without paid sick leave, employees often feel forced to choose between protecting their own health as well as of the children and families we serve or losing income by staying home. I urge the Department of Labor and Industry to establish strong regulations that ensure Virginia workers have meaningful access to paid sick leave and are protected when exercising this right. No worker should have to choose between their health and a paycheck.