Skip to main content

By Tyler Arnold
The Center Square, Feb 12, 2020. Also The Central Virginian, The Breeze (James Madison University)

The Virginia House of Delegates and Senate have passed bills that would increase the commonwealth's minimum wage, but the chambers aren't on the same page in how to implement the increase.

The House version, House Bill 395, would more than double the minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 an hour across the whole state over the course of five years. The increase would be implemented incrementally: $10 in July 2020, $11.25 in July 2021, $12 in July 2022, $13 in July 2023, $14 in July 2024 and $15 in July 2025. ...

Business for a Fair Minimum Wage, a coalition of businesses who advocate for a minimum wage hike, applauded the [House] for passing legislation to raise the minimum wage.

“Raising the minimum wage will boost the consumer spending that businesses need to survive and thrive,” Alissa Barron-Menza, the vice president of the coalition, said in a statement. “In addition, when businesses pay their employees more adequate wages, they benefit from lower turnover, higher productivity and increased customer satisfaction. Today, lawmakers stood up for the economic well-being of every community across Virginia.” ...

The Center Square Read more

Central Virginian