Democrats Push $15 Minimum Wage, GOP Raises Business Concerns

Virginia House Democrats renewed their push to once again raise the state’s minimum wage, framing the legislation as a lifeline for struggling workers and families. But the proposal faces stiff opposition from Republican lawmakers and business groups, and Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who vetoed a similar measure in 2024.

Del. Jeion Ward, D-Hampton, addresses members of the media in Richmond on Jan. 22, 2025. At right is Del. Joshua Cole, D-Fredericksburg. (Photo by Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury)

“Last year, Governor Youngkin vetoed a bill that would have given workers like me a path to $15 an hour,” said 23-year-old Jonei Battle, a Richmond teacher and part-time server, at a Wednesday press conference at the state Capitol in Richmond. “He told us to wait, but my bills aren’t waiting, my dreams aren’t waiting, and the interest on my loans aren’t waiting, and Virginia workers aren’t waiting.”

Battle supports House Bill 1928, sponsored by Del. Jeion Ward, D-Hampton, which proposes raising Virginia’s minimum wage from the current $12.41 per hour to $13.50 per hour by January, 2026, and $15 by January 2027. Advocates argue the increase is necessary to keep pace with the rising cost of living.

“This is our chance to make a difference for every family struggling to make ends meet,” Ward said during the press conference.

Ward pushed back on concerns that the wage hike would harm businesses, particularly in rural areas. She pointed to other states where businesses have adapted to increased minimum wages.

“Claims about driving up inflation, making everything more expensive, and putting rural businesses out of operation don’t represent all of Virginia,” she said.

Del. Joshua Cole, D-Fredericksburg, said the proposal is about creating economic opportunities for working families. “This legislation represents our unwavering commitment to creating a family-first economy, an economy that prioritizes working families, ensures opportunity for all and lifts families out of poverty,” Cole said.

Ward’s bill advanced to the full House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday afternoon after a 5-2 party-line vote in a subcommittee. However, one Republican lawmaker voiced reservations about the proposal’s impact on small businesses in rural areas.

Del. Rob Bloxom, R-Accomack, a business owner, said the wage increase could force tough decisions for employers. “When you hit some of the rural localities, $15 is going to push people to make a choice between keeping them or not,” Bloxom said. He suggested considering regional adjustments to the minimum wage but acknowledged the complexity of such an approach.

Ward responded that a study showed reported regional adjustments wouldn’t help, offering to share the findings.“I will be interested to see that,” Bloxom said, adding, “The wages have just gone up anyway, because once you raise the minimum wage, it kind of pushes everything else up [as well].”

Supporters of the bill argue that raising wages benefits not just workers but the economy overall, reducing poverty and creating more equitable opportunities for Virginians. But the legislation’s fate remains uncertain as it heads to the full committee for consideration.

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