(The Center Square) – After years of stalled efforts and repeated vetoes under the previous administration, Virginia is expanding access to contraception under new legislation while moving forward with a phased increase to the state’s minimum wage.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed a package of bills this week focused on healthcare access and wages as lawmakers continue debating how to address rising costs across the Commonwealth.
One measure establishes a statutory right to obtain and use contraception, preventing state and local government interference. The law follows multiple failed attempts in the General Assembly, including prior vetoes under former Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi said the legislation reflects a shift in state policy.
“For the third consecutive year, Virginia’s General Assembly passed the Right to Contraception Act. After championing this legislation during my years in the Senate and watching it vetoed by Glenn Youngkin, I am pleased to see the legislation signed and codified into law,” Hashmi said.
She said the law allows Virginians to make personal medical decisions “without the interference of politicians.”
Lawmakers also approved legislation to raise Virginia’s minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2028.
The current minimum wage of $12.77 will increase to $13.75 on Jan. 1, 2027, before reaching $15 on Jan. 1, 2028. The law also extends minimum wage requirements to certain farm workers.
“Today, we are putting more money in the pockets of Virginia workers,” Spanberger said.
A study from the Employment Policies Institute found a $15 minimum wage in Virginia could result in up to 12,000 lost jobs, particularly among entry-level and restaurant workers.
The report also examined tipped workers, estimating changes tied to a $15 wage could reduce total earnings in Virginia by about $129.5 million. Average-income families relying on tipped wages could see losses of about $4,899 annually, while the lowest-income households could see losses closer to $9,349.
The estimates are based on federal labor and census data and reflect projected changes in how base wages and tips interact.
State budget analysts have also projected direct costs. The Department of Planning and Budget estimates the policy could increase state spending by about $546,761 from the general fund and $489,371 from nongeneral funds in fiscal year 2027.
By fiscal year 2028, general fund spending could rise by about $14 million, with an additional $14.6 million in nongeneral fund spending.
Both laws take effect on different timelines, with contraception protections in place sooner and wage increases phased in through 2028.
