Gov. Youngkin rejects bills for recreational marijuana, minimum wage increase

RICHMOND, Va. (WFXR) — On Thursday, March 28, Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed several acts, including bills that would legalize cannabis sales and raise the state’s minimum wage.

According to the governor’s veto statement, implementing the proposed $15 per hour wage mandate may impact the current economic conditions and raise the cost of living. He also stated this would be detrimental to small businesses in Virginia.

“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,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin.

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Youngkin stated that marijuana carries the same dangers as other drugs, and the state should have recognized this before creating a medical marijuana system.

“The proposed legalization of retail marijuana in the Commonwealth endangers Virginians’ health and safety,” stated Governor Youngkin “States following this path have seen adverse effects on children’s and adolescent’s health and safety, increased gang activity and violent crime, significant deterioration in mental health, decreased road safety, and significant costs associated with retail marijuana that far exceed tax revenue.”

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