Democrats Debate Minimum Wage Hike at Philadelphia Hearing
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Workers in Pennsylvania testified about the difficulties of working with the state’s minimum wage, which has been stuck at $7.25 per hour since 2009. In June 2023, the Pennsylvania House passed legislation to gradually increase the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour over the next three years, but the GOP-controlled state Senate did not advance the legislation. Workers and state representatives at the hearing argued for an increase in the minimum wage, with some advocating for a raise to $18 per hour and the removal of preemption laws preventing local governments from raising the minimum wage above the state level.
House Democratic Policy Committee Discusses Pennsylvania’s Minimum Wage Issues
At a House Democratic Policy Committee hearing, employees voiced their struggles due to the stagnant minimum wage in Pennsylvania, which has remained unchanged since 2009. The call to action was initiated by committee chairperson, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie).
Current minimum wage in Pennsylvania stands at $7.25 per hour, the lowest federally allowed rate, and also the lowest in its neighboring regions. In June 2023, a Pennsylvania House legislation proposing a gradual increase to $15 over three years, tied to consumer price index, was passed. However, the GOP-controlled state Senate did not progress the legislation.
One of the workers, Karim Jones, a home care worker and member of Pennsylvania SEIU, testified about earning just $13-$14 per hour without benefits such as sick leave, health insurance, or family leave. State Rep. Paul Friel (D-Chester) responded, emphasizing the economic benefits of increasing the minimum wage.
Bri Golphin, a veteran of the restaurant industry, voiced her support for a hike in the minimum wage to $18 per hour. A legislative proposal to raise the minimum wage to $18 is being sponsored by State Rep. Roni Green (D-Philadelphia).
Interestingly, the argument is not only about a pay raise but also for abolishing the tipping system in the restaurant industry. Both Golphin and State Rep. Nancy Guenst (D-Montgomery) shared their views on the need for consistent wages instead of relying on tips.
Marc Stier, executive director of the Pennsylvania Policy Center, suggested that the minimum wage should be around $31.60 if adjusted for inflation since 1968. Stier further proposed the repeal of the preemption law, allowing local governments to raise the minimum wage above the state level, promoting adjustments for local conditions.
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