Overview
- The legislation phases the wage floor to $12.77 in 2026, $13.75 in 2027, and $15 in 2028, with automatic adjustments tied to inflation beginning in 2029.
- The measures passed largely along party lines, including a 20–19 Senate vote, reversing vetoes issued by former Governor Glenn Youngkin in 2024 and 2025.
- Governor Abigail Spanberger has publicly said she looks forward to signing the bills into law.
- Small business advocates, including the National Federation of Independent Business, warn the mandate could raise operating costs, push up prices, or reduce staffing, citing research that links wage hikes to higher consumer prices.
- State budget analysts project added costs of about $1.0 million in fiscal 2027 and roughly $28.6 million in fiscal 2028 once the $15 rate takes effect, split between general and nongeneral funds.