RICHMOND, Va. — On February 19, 2025, the Virginia General Assembly passed HB1928, sending the bill to Governor Glenn Youngkin for final approval. The bill, which sets a path for gradually raising the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour by January 2027, has passed both legislative chambers, following previous attempts in earlier years. The bill is aptly timed, as Virginians are feeling the skyrocketing grocery and rent prices.

Sponsored by Delegate Jeion Ward (D-Hampton), HB1928 seeks to relieve the financial pressure on Virginia workers as the cost of living continues to rise. It will rise to $13.50 per hour on January 1, 2026, and will hit the $15 per hour target by January 1, 2027.. The bill also mandates that the Commissioner of Labor and Industry review and adjust the minimum wage annually starting in 2027, based on shifts in the cost of living.

Supporters of the bill, such as Luis Aguilar, Virginia State Director of CASA, emphasize the difficulty families face due to the rising costs of living.

“The cost of living has become unbearable for too many Virginia families, and this bill is an important step toward making things fairer,” Aguilar said. “No one should have to decide between paying rent, buying food, or covering other essentials. With the prices of basics like housing and food soaring, raising the minimum wage will give Virginians the relief they desperately need and help restore some balance to the economy.”

The bill’s urgency is made clear by the ongoing rise in living expenses. According to a recent report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, prices in Virginia increased by 0.6 percent in January 2025 alone, and by 2.8 percent over the past year — placing more strain on household budgets across the state.

For workers like Rosie Saavedra, an immigrant and essential worker in Richmond, the bill represents more than just a pay increase; it’s about fairness and respect.

“I’m advocating for a $15 minimum wage because the cost of living is out of control, and the wages we earn just aren’t enough to keep up,” Saavedra said. “As an immigrant and an essential worker, I know firsthand how hard it can be to make ends meet on less. This bill isn’t just about raising wages; it’s about giving people the dignity and fairness they deserve for their hard work.”

“As HB1928 makes its way to Governor Youngkin’s desk, Virginians are calling for more than just a raise in wages; they’re demanding a commitment to supporting all working families,” closed Eduardo Zelaya, CASA’s Director of Virginia Organizing. “The passage of this bill represents a pivotal moment in the fight for economic justice, offering lawmakers an opportunity to take bold action and ensure that workers are paid a livable wage. The time for change is now — with this bill, Virginia can lead the charge in shaping a future where every worker is valued.”