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HARRISBURG, Pa. (ErieNewsNow) – The Democratic-controlled House signaled its commitment Tuesday evening to raising the state’s $7.25 per hour minimum wage.
Representatives passed House Bill 1500 103-100 votes. The bill increases the minimum wage in Pennsylvania to $11.00 per hour effective January 1, 2024; $13.00 per hour effective January 1, 2025; $15.00 per hour effective January 1, 2026. Beginning in 2027, the minimum wage would be indexed to inflation.
“It’s a historic day in Pennsylvania. Raising the minimum wage predates my time in the legislature- the push to do that, to bring Pennsylvania up to par with their surrounding state. Today, the Pennsylvania House Democrats delivered,” said Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie), Chairman of the House Majority Policy Committee.
The bill also sets the tipped wage in Pennsylvania to 60 percent of the minimum wage.
HB 1500 is a companion bill to SB 743, introduced by State Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-Erie), Chairman of the Senate Majority Policy Committee.
“If they can’t get their own members on board with the Republican bill, then they have some serious problems in that caucus. But I suspect that because it’s such a high priority for the governor, and we delivered the product to the Senate, that we will get this done and it will be part of the overall budget,” said Bizzarro.
Last week, Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-41) said the budget probably won’t be finalized by the June 30 deadline, however, he does not anticipate it will be delayed through the summer.
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