A new bill introduced in the Pennsylvania General Assembly is aiming to raise the state’s minimum wage, which has remained unchanged for more than a decade.
Lawmakers are now pushing to bring it up from the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour to $15 per hour over the next few years, a move that supporters say is long overdue.
The proposed bill, introduced by Democratic state lawmakers, outlines a gradual increase in the minimum wage. It would first rise to $12 per hour by July 2025, then to $13.50 in 2026, and finally reach $15 per hour by 2027. After 2027, the wage would be adjusted annually based on inflation to make sure it keeps up with the cost of living.
Supporters argue that the current minimum wage is not enough for workers to afford basic needs like rent, food, and healthcare.
They say that increasing the wage would not only help working families but also boost the overall economy. Higher wages, they believe, mean more consumer spending, which could help local businesses grow.
State Senator Christine Tartaglione, one of the bill’s main sponsors, pointed out that Pennsylvania hasn’t changed its minimum wage since 2009, while nearby states like New York, New Jersey, and Maryland have already raised theirs. She said it’s time Pennsylvania catches up and provides fairer wages for its workers.
Many Pennsylvania workers, especially those in industries like retail, food service, and caregiving, are paid close to the minimum wage.
Advocates for the bill say that these workers were essential during the COVID-19 pandemic and deserve better compensation for their hard work.
Governor Josh Shapiro has shown support for the increase and included it in his 2024-25 budget proposal.
He believes raising the minimum wage will help reduce poverty and support working families across the state. The governor also wants to end the $2.83 tipped minimum wage for restaurant workers and other tipped employees.
Opponents of the bill, however, argue that such a large wage increase could hurt small businesses. They fear that higher labor costs may force some businesses to reduce staff or raise prices, potentially leading to job losses. Some Republican lawmakers believe the market should determine wages, not the government.
Even though there is disagreement, the issue has gained more attention in recent years. A Franklin & Marshall College poll from 2023 showed that a majority of Pennsylvanians support raising the minimum wage. The growing public pressure could play a role in getting this bill passed.
Currently, 30 states in the U.S. have set minimum wages above the federal level, and Pennsylvania is one of the few that still follows the federal minimum. If passed, this bill would bring Pennsylvania in line with many other states that have already taken action to raise wages.
For now, the bill will go through the usual legislative process, including committee reviews and votes in both the state House and Senate. If it passes all the stages, it will become law and start affecting wages by mid-2025.
This proposal is being seen as an important step toward addressing income inequality in the state. With inflation continuing to impact everyday expenses, many workers are hoping this bill becomes a reality.
The coming weeks will show whether lawmakers from both parties can come together and pass the bill that could impact thousands of Pennsylvanians.