Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - Senate Democrats have passed several key bills, including ones to increase the minimum wage and create a retail market for recreational marijuana.
The bill to raise Virginia’s minimum wage would lead to it hitting $13.50 in 2025 and $15 in 2026. All Senate Republicans voted against the measure, arguing that an increase in the minimum wage could force small businesses to lay off employees or shut down altogether.
“An increase in wage doesn’t cost just the increase in the wage, you have got the burden that goes on top of that,” said Senator Christopher Head (R-Botetourt). “The minimum burden for any business if they are paying patrol taxes is a 7.5% uplift and if they are required to pay workers compensation, you have that.”
A bill to create a retail market for recreational marijuana passed on a party-line vote, with Democrats arguing that a regulated market for cannabis sales is needed to combat a dangerous illicit market.
“We hear from Scott County to Virginia Beach that this is a true public safety and public health crisis and that we are missing out on tens of millions of dollars in potential revenue that could be reinvested in our communities,” said Senator Aaron Rouse, the bill’s author.
Governor Youngkin, who has the ability to veto any legislation that comes to his desk, has previously said he doesn’t “have any interest” in a legal retail marijuana market.
