PENNSYLVANIA — A plan to raise the state minimum wage for the first time since 2009 has gained traction among Pennsylvania elected officials.
The House of Representatives on Tuesday voted to approve a bill that would increase the minimum wage from $7.25 to $11 per hour effective next January.
Under the legislation, the minimum wage would then rise to $13 per hour in 2028 and $15 per hour in 2029, followed by annual cost-of-living adjustments.
In addition, the bill would provide counties the option to implement a $15-per-hour wage sooner and set the minimum wage for tipped employees at 60 percent of the state minimum wage.
“Research shows that increasing the minimum wage does not lead to job losses or business closures,” said Rep. Jason Dawkins, the Philadelphia Democrat who was the bill’s primary sponsor.
“What it does lead to is financial security and better life outcomes for families relying on minimum wage work. To my colleagues in the Senate, I implore you to take up this bill and finally raise the wage in Pennsylvania.”
The Senate must approve the bill before it goes before Gov. Josh Shapiro, who favors a minimum wage increase.
According to U.S. Department of Labor statistics, 30 states (as well as Washington, D.C, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands) have minimum wages greater than $7.25 an hour.
Thirteen, including Pennsylvania, have state laws setting the minimum at $7.25. The remaining seven have no state laws but must pay $7.25 to comply with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, which establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, record keeping, and youth employment standards affecting employees in the private sector.
Pennsylvania’s neighboring states have the following minimum wages: