The wage remains at $7.25, the lowest among surrounding states.

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The debate over the minimum wage is one of the longest running in all of Harrisburg. Its next chapter is about to be written, as the latest attempt by state House Democrats to raise the wage from its current $7.25 an hour moves forward.

House Labor and Industry Chair Jason Dawkins (D-Philadelphia) says the current climate of high prices for food, housing and energy makes it more important than ever to raise what is currently the lowest minimum wage among surrounding states, with a goal of eventually reaching $15 an hour.

“I do not believe that is a true reflection of our state’s commitment. I think it’s a reflection of our inability to work together to get it done,” said Dawkins. “This may be the time that we get serious about having a minimum wage that makes more sense, especially in the climate of folks losing their jobs or having to take on secondary work. So, our hope is that if we can raise the weight for the folks who are making the least, we can raise the wage for all folks across Pennsylvania.”

Republican Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana) says raising the wage would strain businesses that help local communities run by pricing out their ability to hire workers.

“I think there are some very real concerns with the impact on small businesses, on our smaller communities,” said Struzzi. “A jump like that, more than doubling the minimum wage, is probably going to put some businesses out of business and cause some people to lose their jobs, because these smaller businesses simply can’t afford an immediate $15 increase in minimum wage.”

The legislation, House Bill 2189, would gradually raise the wage until it hits $15 an hour in 2029. The House Appropriations Committee amended the bill to allow municipalities to raise their own wage faster if they choose.

Democrats hope this approach will be better received than last year’s regional wage increase plan and will help Pennsylvanians be paid fairly, while Republicans say businesses are already paying higher wages, making the bill unnecessary.

“We’re trying to put as many options on the table to raise the minimum wage in Pennsylvania because we understand that what we have right now is unconscionable when you think about where all of the other states are around us,” said House Appropriations Chair Jordan Harris (D-Philadelphia).

“I have sons at home that are working in the fast-food industry making more than that already,” said Struzzi. “I think the market is already showing that if you want to have quality employees, if you want to keep your employees, you’re going to have to pay them more than minimum wage, and that’s already occurring across this commonwealth.”

The amendment will push back a full vote by the House to Tuesday.