The House and Senate return to session on Monday, June 5th, which starts the countdown to the June 30th state budget deadline. The budget vehicle bills are being positioned to move forward when lawmakers return. However, some lawmakers have indicated a disregard for the June 30 deadline unless certain priorities are met including, but not limited to, a minimum wage increase.
Proposals to increase the minimum wage include HB 1135 sponsored by Rep. Chris Rabb (D-Philadelphia) which proposes to raise the minimum wage to $21 per hour. Additionally, Senator Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) has introduced SB 743 which would increase the wage to $15 per hour and permanently tie it to the cost of living, resulting in automatic increases. As indicated above, these proposals along with the Governor’s budget request for a $15 per hour minimum wage are going to be part of the upcoming budget negotiations.
Stay tuned for additional updates and if you have not already done so, please complete the minimum wage action alert which can be found here.
Pennsylvania State Director Greg Moreland penned an op-ed in Broad and Liberty concerning the proposed increase to the state’s minimum wage: “Drastically raising labor costs will continue to drive inflationary pressures, leading to much higher consumer costs for goods and services. Can you imagine what your groceries, dining out, fuel, and other costs will skyrocket to? Whatever some lawmakers in Harrisburg may think, small business owners aren’t out at sea in their yachts drinking champagne. They can’t afford this proposal. The Commonwealth can’t afford this proposal.”
