Pennsylvania Democrats are preparing to introduce legislation in 2027 to increase the state’s minimum wage, which has remained at $7.25 since 2009.
LANCASTER, Pa. —
Democratic leaders in Pennsylvania are planning to introduce legislation during the 2027 session to raise the state’s minimum wage to $15, a move they hope will address rising costs and stagnant wages.
Rising costs and stagnant wages
State Sen. Art Haywood highlighted the financial challenges residents face.
“Prices are going up, up, up. Gas, food, all of the above,” Haywood said.
He also pointed out that many workers are earning far below the proposed wage.
“Some people are still stuck at ten an hour, 12 an hour or 13 an hour,” he said.
The state’s minimum wage has remained at $7.25 since 2009, despite previous legislative attempts to increase it. Haywood said the upcoming effort would mark the fourth attempt to pass such legislation.
“But we’ve been able to remove the key block that prevented us from raising the minimum wage,” he said.
Potential impact on businesses
Community leaders, including Heather Valudes, CEO of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, are examining the potential impact of a $15 minimum wage on businesses and employees.
“We’re trying to understand what the true impact is on our business community, and then what we need to advocate for on their behalf as they try to negotiate the issue,” Valudes said.
Currently, House Bill 2189, which addresses the minimum wage, is sitting in the Senate after being passed by the House in March. Haywood said lawmakers plan to introduce a new bill during the 2027 legislative session to advance the effort.