RICHMOND, VA — Virginia House Democrats praise Governor Abigail Spanberger for signing HB1 into law – raising Virginia’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2028. The top priority of the 2026 legislative session, this law delivers on House Democrats’ commitment to building an Affordable Virginia where working families can live and thrive.
“Working Virginians have been long overdue for a raise,” said Speaker Don Scott. “Virginians elected us to make an Affordable Virginia, and Governor Spanberger has helped us to do exactly that in a smart and responsible way.”
“By delivering a raise for working people, we are giving Virginians a fair shot at financial stability,” said Majority Leader Charniele Herring. “The reality is that inflation and tariffs have driven up prices, and wages have fallen behind – this law is a key component of rectifying that divide.”
“All Virginians have a fundamental right to work with dignity,” said Chair Kathy Tran. “Virginians are working 40 hours a week or more, and still struggling to afford basic necessities – we are acting on a moral obligation to change that.”
“Governor Spanberger has recognized that raising the minimum wage is about more than economic stability – it’s a moral obligation,” said Delegate Jeion Ward, Patron of HB1. “This is a fundamental step towards ensuring no one who works full-time in Virginia struggles to afford to live in Virginia.”