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[UPDATED: VA Senate Dems Pass $15/Hour Minimum Wage Bill] VA House Democrats Pass Top Priority, Paid Sick Leave

"HB5 is about making sure working Virginians don’t have to choose between their health and their paycheck"

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Governor Spanberger Pledges to Sign Legislation to Raise Minimum Wage

Spanberger: “I Look Forward to Signing This Legislation Into Law to Give Virginia Workers a Pay Raise”
RICHMOND, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement after both the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates passed legislation that would incrementally increase the state minimum wage to $15 per hour by January 1, 2028.

“Across our Commonwealth, I’ve heard from Virginia families who are stretching their paychecks more than ever but still coming up short at the end of each month. I’ve heard from Virginians who have had to choose between refilling their prescriptions, heating their homes, or keeping up with their rent or mortgage — all the while worrying about saving for their kids’ futures.

“Every Virginian who works full time deserves the financial stability to support their families, plan for the future, and continue building a life here in the Commonwealth. But Virginians’ wages have not kept up with rising costs.

“I look forward to signing this legislation into law to give Virginia workers a pay raise, and I’m grateful to the members of the General Assembly who have made stronger wages for working Virginians a priority.”

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The legislation passed by the Virginia Senate, SB1, and House of Delegates, HB1, would codify the adjusted state hourly minimum wage of $12.77 per hour that went into effect on January 1, 2026. The legislation would then increase the minimum wage to $13.75 per hour on January 1, 2027 and subsequently increase the minimum wage to $15.00 per hour on January 1, 2028.

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Senate of Virginia Passes SB1 to Raise Minimum Wage to $15 Per Hour

RICHMOND, V.A. – Today, the Senate of Virginia passed SB 1, legislation that will raise the Commonwealth’s minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2028 and ensure future increases keep pace with inflation. This bill passed on a vote on 20-19, supported by all present Democratic members of the Senate of Virginia.

“For too long, Virginia’s workers have been asked to do more while earning less in real dollars,” said Senator L. Louise Lucas, Senate President Pro Tempore and Chair of Senate Finance and Appropriations. She continues, “That ends now. If you work full time in the Commonwealth of Virginia, you deserve a wage you can actually live on. SB 1 makes it clear: we value work, and we’re going to pay for it. This bill provides a clear path to $15 an hour, giving Virginians the raise they deserve while giving businesses time to plan. By aligning future wage increases to inflation, we’re making sure wages never fall behind again.”

Virginia Senate Democrats are focused on affordability and building an economy that works for working people, not just corporations and the well-connected, even in a very difficult budget year. This is about fairness, dignity, and making sure Virginia’s economy works for everyone.

SB 1 is now headed to the Virginia House of Delegates for consideration.

Good news from the VA House Democrats:

House Democrats Pass Top Priority, Paid Sick Leave
RICHMOND, VA — Today, Virginia House Democrats passed HB5, a top priority to expand paid sick leave protections to workers across the Commonwealth. The bill extends Virginia’s existing earned sick leave law to cover employees of private employers and state and local governments, allowing workers to earn one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. HB5 ensures accrued sick leave is not lost when a worker is transferred or their employer changes, allows employers to offer more generous policies, and permits workers to use earned sick leave to care for their health, support a family member, or address situations involving domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The bill includes clear enforcement standards and a delayed effective date of July 1, 2027.

“HB5 is about making sure working Virginians don’t have to choose between their health and their paycheck,” said Del. Kelly K. Convirs-Fowler. “This bill sets a clear, fair standard so workers can take care of themselves and their families, while giving employers time to prepare and flexibility to do more if they choose.”

From Progress Virginia:

Workers Celebrate as Virginia House of Delegates Passes Paid Sick Days Legislation

Richmond—Workers and advocates across the Commonwealth are celebrating today as HB5, legislation sponsored by Delegate Kelly Convirs-Fowler that guarantees paid sick days for working Virginians, passed the Virginia House of Delegates on a vote of 65-35. When working people get sick, far too many are forced into an impossible decision: go to work sick and risk their own health and the public’s health, or stay home and lose crucial wages. By passing HB5 in the House of Delegates, the legislature has provided strong momentum to address this long-standing gap in workplace protections. The bill will now crossover to the Senate for a vote.

“Passage of HB5 in the House of Delegates marks real progress for working families across Virginia,” said Ashleigh Crocker, Interim Executive Director of Progress Virginia. “Access to paid sick leave is a basic protection for workers. People should not be forced to choose between their health, caring for a loved one, and paying their bills. This bill will make a significant impact on families in our community, especially Black and Brown women who carry a disproportionate share of caregiving work. We are ready to keep fighting for HB5 as it moves through crossover and to the Governor’s desk.”

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