Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed legislation on Thursday that would incrementally raise the state minimum wage to $15 an hour.
The minimum wage would increase from the current $12.77 an hour to $13.75 an hour in 2027 and $15 an hour in 2028. The minimum wage will subsequently increase in accordance with inflation.
“Today, we are putting more money in the pockets of Virginia workers,” Spanberger said in a statement. “If you work full time in Virginia, you should be able to afford to live in Virginia. You should be able to keep up with your rent or mortgage, fill your medications, and save for your kids’ futures.”
The bills were carried by Democrats Del. Jeion Ward of Hampton and Sen. Louise Lucas of Portsmouth.
Spanberger also signed legislation that would require farm workers to be paid at least the state minimum wage beginning Jan. 1, 2027. The Virginia Farm Bureau reports that the agricultural industry provides more than 381,800 jobs in the commonwealth.
Democrats have historically introduced both policies, but they were previously vetoed by former Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who said the increases would lead businesses to raise prices and could result in hiring freezes and layoffs.
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