Va. governor vetoes wage increase, marijuana bills
STAUNTON, Va. – Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed bills on Thursday that would have increased the minimum wage and established a market for marijuana in the state.
The Republican’s actions elicited rebukes from the state’s Democratic lawmakers.
Youngkin argued that creating a market for marijuana would have endangered Virginians’ health and safety and asserted that states that have legalized recreational use of the drug have seen adverse effects. Of the minimum wage increase, he argued the legislation would raise costs on small businesses.
“It also does not eliminate the illegal black-market sale of cannabis, nor guarantee product safety. Addressing the inconsistencies in enforcement and regulation in Virginia’s current laws does not justify expanding access to cannabis, following the failed paths of other states and endangering Virginians’ health and safety,” he said in a statement Thursday. “Today I am also vetoing bills that would implement drastic wage mandates, raise costs on families and small businesses, jeopardize jobs, and fail to recognize regional economic differences across Virginia.”
Youngkin had repeatedly signaled his intent to veto the bills, but that didn’t soften the sharp words from Democratic lawmakers.
“At a time when our Commonwealth faces the challenges of high costs, inflation, and widespread financial hardship, this veto is not just a missed opportunity – it’s a direct affront to the hard-working individuals who keep Virginia moving forward,” Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas said in a statement. Lucas had introduced the wage bill, which would have increase the minimum in Virginia to $13.50 per hour by January 2025 and to $15 per hour by January 2026. Currently it is $12 per hour.
Sen. Aaron Rouse, who had introduced legislation to create a marijuana market in Virginia, called the governor’s actions “nothing short of irresponsible.”
“Over the last three years, the General Assembly has meticulously crafted this legislation to not only establish a safe and regulated market but also to address and combat the proliferation of the illicit market. This veto blocks a pivotal opportunity to advance public health, safety, and justice in our Commonwealth,” he said in a statement.
Youngkin also vetoed a bill that would have offered a path for people incarcerated on felony offenses related to marijuana to have their sentences reviewed and potentially modified.
Senator Angelia Williams Graves, a Democrat who introduced the legislation, said the governor’s decision was “deeply disheartening” and that it blocks “the path to justice for countless Virginians.”
“This bill was our opportunity to correct the course for those unduly burdened by convictions for marijuana offenses – offenses that are no longer considered felonies in our Commonwealth. By denying this legislation, the Governor not only overlooks the clear shift in our society’s perspective on cannabis but also refuses a hand of reconciliation and repair to those affected,” she said.