House lawmakers are considering a bill that would raise the state minimum wage as high as $15.15.
Three bills to boost the minimum wage were on the House agenda. They're moving fast in Richmond.
The Senate Commerce and Labor Committee killed the first bill that would have raised Virginia's minimum wage to $8 per hour with gradual increases to more than $10. The federal minimum wage, which is in effect in Virginia, is $7. 25 per hour. It hasn`t been increased in the Commonwealth since 2009.
Supporters say a wage hike would cut down on the number of people living in poverty, but opponents say it will force businesses to lay off workers.
Several business groups showed up to oppose the bill. They included the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, and the Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association.
Some of our neighboring states have increased their state's minimum wage.
West Virginia and Maryland businesses pay $8 per hour to minimum wage employees.
In the Nation's Capital, an employee making minimum wage earns $9.50 per hour.
29 of the 50 states have increased their minimum wage standards. Virginia is not among them.
