By Tyler Arnold
The Center Square, Apr 28, 2021
The first increase in Virginia’s incremental minimum wage hike will go into effect this Saturday, when the hourly minimum goes from $7.75 to $9.50. ...
The increase has received support from some businesses that already guarantee workers a $15 hourly wage. Alan Smith, a co-owner of Lamplighter Coffee Roasters in Richmond told The Center Square his business already sets a $15 base pay because he believes “everyone deserves to make a living wage.”
Setting a statewide standard will require other businesses to compete more evenly with those that are already paying their workers that much money, Smith said. He said it will help small businesses by putting them on a level playing field, rather than hurt the industry. ...