| RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia AFL-CIO today celebrated the advancement of Delegate Jeion Ward’s bill to raise the state minimum wage as it successfully passed the House floor by a vote of 51-49.
Virginia’s minimum wage has incrementally increased from $7.25 per hour to $12 per hour over the last three years. HB1 builds on the progress started in 2020 by raising the minimum wage to $13.50 by 2025 and $15 per hour by 2026.
“No one who works a full-time job should struggle to make ends meet, but wages have not kept up with inflation,” said Virginia AFL-CIO President Doris Crouse-Mays. “We commend the House of Delegates for standing with workers and passing our union sister Delegate Ward’s legislation. The governor has said he wants to address the cost of living, so he can start by signing this bill and giving Virginia’s minimum wage workers a raise.”
A Wason Center poll in 2021 showed that this momentum has broad backing among Virginians. A majority (53%) of Virginians supported raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour. Notably, this issue extends across party lines, with 66% of independents and 61% of moderates in support.
The companion bill, SB1, is patroned by Senator Louise Lucas. It most recently passed out of the Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor and has been referred to Finance and Appropriations. |
Sign up for the Blue Virginia weekly newsletter
