The Office of the Governor of the State of Virginia

02/16/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/16/2026 14:39

Governor Spanberger Pledges to Sign Legislation to Raise Minimum Wage

For Immediate Release: February 16, 2026
Office of the Governor Contact: [email protected]

Governor Spanberger Pledges to Sign Legislation to Raise Minimum Wage

Spanberger: "I Look Forward to Signing This Legislation Into Law to Give Virginia Workers a Pay Raise"

RICHMOND, VA - Governor Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement after both the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates passed legislation that would incrementally increase the state minimum wage to $15 per hour by January 1, 2028.

"Across our Commonwealth, I've heard from Virginia families who are stretching their paychecks more than ever but still coming up short at the end of each month. I've heard from Virginians who have had to choose between refilling their prescriptions, heating their homes, or keeping up with their rent or mortgage - all the while worrying about saving for their kids' futures.

"Every Virginian who works full time deserves the financial stability to support their families, plan for the future, and continue building a life here in the Commonwealth. But Virginians' wages have not kept up with rising costs.

"I look forward to signing this legislation into law to give Virginia workers a pay raise, and I'm grateful to the members of the General Assembly who have made stronger wages for working Virginians a priority."

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The legislation passed by the Virginia Senate, SB1, and House of Delegates, HB1, would codify the adjusted state hourly minimum wage of $12.77 per hour that went into effect on January 1, 2026. The legislation would then increase the minimum wage to $13.75 per hour on January 1, 2027 and subsequently increase the minimum wage to $15.00 per hour on January 1, 2028.

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The Office of the Governor of the State of Virginia published this content on February 16, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on February 16, 2026 at 20:39 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]