(The Center Square) – In the General Assembly’s session to begin 2022, Democratic senators will be focused on minimum wage laws, education funding, healthcare access, broadband and infrastructure, among other issues.
“Dynamic, diverse, and determined Senate Democrats once again are pursuing a forward-thinking, comprehensive legislative agenda in 2022 that addresses Virginians’ hopes, realities, and concerns about the Commonwealth’s future—from Tidewater to Shenandoah, from Arlington to Bristol,” Caucus Chair Mamie Locke, D-Hampton, said in a statement.
Several Democratic leaders commented on their list of priorities for the session. Majority Leader Dick Saslaw, D-Fairfax, said Democrats are focused on ensuring every Virginian who wants a job can get one that provides wages and benefits high enough to take care of a family. The commonwealth’s minimum wage is set to increase to $11 per hour in about a month and to $12 per hour the following year. The law sets a framework for reaching a $15-per-hour minimum wage, but anything higher than $12 per hour would need further legislative approval.
Other priorities included a world-class public education, further expanding Medicaid, increasing behavioral health resources and working to end the COVID-19 pandemic. The caucus leaders also listed broadband expansion, voting rights, clean energy and infrastructure.
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