A minimum wage bill passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives by a 104 to 95 vote.
The bill would increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $15 an hour, over the course of three years: $11 in 2027, $13 in 2028, and end at $15 in 2029. It also includes a permanent cost-of-living adjustment for each year after the $15 point.
Most Republicans spoke against the bill as a potential cut to beginner level jobs and increase to other daily costs to counter the mandated higher wages.
Some Democrats were frustrated that the bill had a gradual increase, saying workers need help now.
Pennsylvania’s current minimum wage is $7.25.
“If I truly believed that a government mandated wage would be the utopia that we hear and that it would fix all the problems we hear about, I would support it,” said Rep. Jesse Topper, a Republican from Bedford and House Minority Leader. He voted no on the bill.
“There is real disgust among some members who see too many of their constituents continue to make poverty wage, one where they cannot provide for their family. One, frankly, where they cannot even pay to feed themselves,” said Rrep. Matt Bradford, a Democrat from Montgomery county and House Majority Leader.
In his budget address this year, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro argued raising the minimum wage as a way to increase state revenues and reduce the number of Pennsylvanians on welfare programs.
The bill now heads to the Republican majority senate. Many lawmakers expect the policy to be a part of budget negotiations.