Democrats who control the Virginia General Assembly on Friday submitted a bill to Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin that would raise the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour in 2026.
An identical bill that would raise the current $12 per hour minimum wage to $13.50 on January 1, 2025, and then $15 on January 1, 2026, was approved by House and Senate representatives on a party-line vote. TV stations reported that it had passed. WRIC reported.
Virginia House, Senate, Gov. Yonkin fight over state budget
The bill is a top priority for Democrats and progressive advocacy groups, building on a push the party began several years ago when the minimum wage was $7.25 an hour. Supporters say the measure will help working families buy basic necessities and keep inflation under control, while opponents say it will hurt small businesses.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin is seen arriving at the House of Representatives to deliver the State of the Union address at the State Capitol on January 10, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia. The Democratic-dominated Virginia General Assembly has submitted a bill to Governor Youngkin that includes the following: Raise the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour in 2026. (AP Photo/Steve Herber, File)
The bill faces an uncertain future. Mr. Youngkin has expressed opposition, but he has not vowed to veto the bill. Yonkin told reporters earlier this year that he doesn’t think the bill is necessary because “the market has responded.”
Virginia Democrats began their efforts to raise the minimum wage in 2020, when they had full control of state government. They passed a bill that year that was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic and provided increases of up to $12, requiring another vote in Congress to increase further.
