RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — 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 increase Virginia’s minimum wage — which is currently $12 — would raise it to $13.50 in 2025 and $15 in 2026.
State Senator Danica Roem (D- Prince William) says many in her district can’t afford to rent a studio apartment while working full time.
“The rent over 12 months is $19,980,” Roem explained. “If you worked 40 hours a week at our minimum wage right now for the current minimum wage, your pre-taxable income is $24,960.”
However, Senate Republicans, who all voted against the measure, argued that an increase in the minimum wage could force small businesses to lay off employees or close 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.”
Another key priority for Democrats passed the Senate. A marijuana bill by Senator Aaron Rouse (D-Virginia Beach) passed on a party-line vote with Democrats arguing that Virginia needs a regulated market to combat a dangerous illicit marijuana 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,” Rouse said.
The bill would allow marijuana licenses to be issued starting on July 1, 2024, but states that no marijuana sales are allowed prior to Jan. 1, 2025.
The proposed marijuana market for the Commonwealth would be administered by the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority, according to Virginia’s Legislative Information System.
Despite both bills passing, it’s worth noting that Governor Glenn Youngkin can veto any legislation that gets to his desk. Youngkin has previously said he doesn’t “have any interest” in a legal retail marijuana market.
Law enforcement agencies have also voiced their criticisms of retail sales of marijuana in the Commonwealth, stating that legalizing the retail sale of marijuana would negatively impact behavioral health and crime in local communities.