Dear , Virginia’s minimum wage will increase on May 1, 2021 from $7.25 per hour to $9.50 per hour – thanks to your advocacy. Approximately 400,000 Virginians will see their wages increase, about half whose wages are below $9.50 per hour and half whose wages will go up as employers adjust their wage scales to reflect the increases in the lowest wages. VICPP anchored the faith-based advocacy in the minimum wage coalition in 2020 when the bill to increase the minimum wage passed. Below are fact sheets in English and Spanish on the new minimum wage that you can share with your congregation and friends. The minimum wage will continue to increase over the next few years, but it is still not enough for families (or even individuals in most communities) to survive, let alone thrive. Although VICPP strongly supports having core standards, like the minimum wage and paid sick days for all, we also believe employers should be encouraged to provide higher wages and benefits.
VICPP sponsors a Living Wage Certification program that enables local communities to recognize and honor employers that provide “living wages,” in their communities. Currently active programs operate in Richmond, Harrisonburg and Charlottesville, and there is interest in northern Virginia and the James River Valley. The “gold” standard is in the $15-16 range. We recognize that for many individuals and families, even a “gold” standard is not enough for them to thrive. Living wage programs serve as levers to raise wage standards in many low-wage sectors. I love to be able to support employers that pay decent wages, especially in sectors like restaurants, landscape, janitorial and retail that are notorious for poverty wages (and wage theft). Please visit our website, www.livingwageva.org to learn more. Support the living wage businesses if they are in your community. Suggest other businesses we should certify. Explore developing a program in your community. For more information, contact jase@virginiainterfaithcenter.org.
Thank you again for advocating an increase in the minimum wage. Your letters, calls and emails matter in people’s lives!
Minimum Wage Fact Sheets: English Español Gratefully, Kim Bobo Executive Director
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