(WHTM) – Pennsylvania House lawmakers have passed a bill to raise the minimum wage.
The bill would increase the state’s minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $11 an hour starting on Jan. 1, 2027. The minimum wage would then increase to $13 an hour in 2028 and $15 an hour in 2029, followed by annual cost-of-living adjustments.
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Tuesday’s vote in the Democratic-controlled State House passed 104-95, with four Republicans — State Reps. Joe Hogan, Natalie Mihalek, Joe Emrick, and Kathleen Tomlinson — voting in favor of the bill.
Tw Democrats — State Reps. Frank Burns and Chris Rabb — voted against the bill, and one Republican lawmaker was absent for the vote.
“It’s been my mission to provide a living wage for all working Pennsylvanians, and this bill passing the House is a huge step forward in that mission,” said the bill’s sponsor, State Rep. Jason Dawkins (D-Philadelphia). “If you work hard, you shouldn’t have to worry about your next meal or having a roof over your head. Pennsylvania needs a minimum wage suitable for everyone, not just to survive, but to thrive in our state.”
The legislation moves to the Republican-controlled State Senate, where its future is likely in question.
Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa called for his colleagues to pass the bill.
“We call on our Senate Republican colleagues to bring up this bill for a vote in the Senate as soon as possible,” said Costa. “Senate Democrats are ready to vote this bill up right now, so only one question remains: Where do Senate Republicans stand on supporting Pennsylvania’s hard-working families?”
Pennsylvania has not raised its minimum wage since 2009, and lawmakers have made multiple efforts in the past several years to raise it. Every state surrounding Pennsylvania has a higher minimum wage, something Governor Josh Shapiro has repeatedly addressed in his state budget proposals.
Shapiro said Tuesday he would sign the bill if it passes the Senate.
“This is the THIRD year in a row that the House has stepped up to do their part,” said a statement on Shapiro’s social media. “The ball is now in the Senate Republicans’ court. It’s time for them to bring this to a vote and send it to my desk.”
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