Spanberger lays out platform to help working Virginians

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Just days after securing the Democratic nomination for governor, former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger laid out her platform to help working Virginians at an event in Henrico County on Tuesday.

“If you elect me as governor, I will sign the bill that will give you a pay raise. We will raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour,” Spanberger told a crowd of union workers. 

Spanberger also threw her support behind legislation recently vetoed by current Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin to create a paid family and medical leave program in Virginia. 

“Virginians shouldn’t have to choose between keeping their paycheck and having a child, or keeping their paycheck and taking care of their loved one,” Spanberger said.

Plus, without providing specifics, Spanberger added that she supports the idea of more Virginians being allowed to collectively bargain. 

“I look forward to working with members of our General Assembly to make sure more Virginians can negotiate for the benefits and fair treatment that they earn,” Spanberger said.

In response to Spanberger, a spokesperson for her opponent, Republican Lieutenant Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, sent 8News the following statement:

“Abigail Spanberger has no business lecturing Virginians about the right to work or the cost of living. She backed job-killing policies that raised costs and hurt Virginia families. Winsome trusts working families and small business owners to drive Virginia forward — not Washington politicians with a failed agenda.” Peyton Vogel, Press Secretary, Winsome Sears for Governor