Demand a Raise in PA’s Minimum Wage Now!

Every state surrounding our Commonwealth has raised its minimum wage while Pennsylvania remains stuck at $7.25, where it’s been for 10 years. But we have a chance to raise the wage in Pennsylvania—Call your legislators today in their Harrisburg office (they are there NOW) and demand it!

Legislators who have been opposed are already whispering among themselves that the time has come to raise the minimum wage. But we need them to say so out loud and tell their leaders that raising the minimum wage has to be part of finishing the state budget in the next two months.

Many legislators can be moved to speak out. But it won’t happen until you insist on it.

In light of reporting today, we must also put pressure on two members of the House leadership who are saying that no raise will happen. Let them know you are calling them in their capacity as leaders (though let them know if you are a constituent!). Please call House Majority Leader Bryan Cutler at 717-783-6424 (Harrisburg) and/or 717-284-1965 (Quarryville) and House Appropriations Chair Stan Saylor at 717-783-6426 (Harrisburg) and/or 717-244-9232 (Red Lion).

Why do we have to raise the wage? One reason is that people who work full-time jobs should be paid enough to live dignified lives. And huge corporations that pay less than a living wage shouldn’t have a workforce that needs to be subsidized by state and federal food stamps, Medicaid, and child care programs just to get by.

Another reason is that raising the minimum wage for two million Pennsylvanians benefits all of us. Our local economies suffer when too many jobs don’t pay enough for our neighbors to afford the basics—things like food, car repairs, and eyeglasses. Raising the wage floor not only helps those making the minimum wage—it also pushes wages up for people who currently make more than the minimum wage. This increases spending, boosts the local economy, and creates jobs.

Many legislators who have been on the fence are starting to get this. But, motivated by leadership and business interests, they are waffling. If you tell your legislator the time to speak out in favor of raising the minimum wage is now, we have a chance to secure a vote before the end of June.

Policymakers in our neighboring states recognize that raising the minimum wage is good for the economy; that’s why every state in our region, including West Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, and Delaware, has already raised the wage floor. Contrary to what opponents say about raising the wage, both wages and employment have gone up far faster in those states than in Pennsylvania.

Legislation has been introduced to raise the wage to $12 on July 1 and in stages to $15 by 2025. The legislation also eliminates the sub-minimum wage for tipped workers and allows local communities that have higher wage standards to raise the minimum wage beyond what the state requires.

A vote on this legislation can happen soon. Please use this tool to tell your legislators to say YES to raising the minimum wage!