HAMPTON, Va. — One of the bills heading to the governor’s desk is looking to raise minimum wage. House Bill 1, would look to raise the minimum wage from its current $12 to $13.50 in 2025 and then to $15 by January of 2026. David Waters says its a step in the right direction.
“With inflation rising, and to make things affordable across the board, raising it up gives people that don't make as much an opportunity to have a better quality of life.” Waters said.
Another woman, Dawn Hall, feels more can be done.
“Raise to at least $14 now and then $16-$17 later, and since the pandemic everybody's struggling, really struggling.” Hall said.
Senate Bill 101 would recognize same sex marriage in the commonwealth. Specifically, it would prevent the denial of a marriage license to anyone based on race, sex or gender, aligning the state with federal law and secure marriage rights in case the Supreme Court were to repeal the decision.
Senate Bill 7 would provide safeguards to protect victims of hate crimes. Waters believes this is a positive for the commonwealth.
“We have to erase any form of racism any form of hate towards a person for color skin or gender or what have you.” Waters said.
Last Thursday, the Virginia Beach Branch of the NAACP denounced the rise of racial intimidation in Virginia Beach. A Spokesperson for the chapter says the legislation is needed.
“If we're silent about these kinds of issues only more activity will take place” Gary McCollum said.
The governor will have until April 8th to decide whether to pass or veto these bills. If the governor chooses to veto, it would take a 2/3 vote to overturn it.