Minimum Wage Could Double in One State Under New Proposal 

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has urged lawmakers to increase the state's minimum wage to $15 per hour.

Speaking during his annual budget address to lawmakers on Tuesday, Shapiro, a Democrat, unveiled his budget for the state's 2024/25 fiscal year, which begins on July 1. Admitting his plans were "ambitious," he proposed a $48.3 billion plan to boost Pennsylvania's economy that involved raising the minimum wage as well as investing in public schools, public transport, and other projects.

Shapiro outlined that he wishes to see the state's minimum wage more than double to $15 per hour, up from the current rate of $7.25. The state currently enforces the basic minimum hourly wage as recommended by the federal government, and the rate has not changed in the state for 15 years. Newsweek has contacted Shapiro's office for comment via email outside of normal working hours.

"I'm not looking to give a handout," he said. "I want to give a hand up—and create an opportunity economy that gives everyone a shot. In order to create that kind of opportunity, Pennsylvanians need to earn a decent wage. And come on guys, let's be real, our minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25 an hour for 15 years."

Shapiro argued that keeping the wage rate at $7.25 is "anticompetitive" and hurts the state's workers, pushing those in border counties to travel over state lines to earn a higher wage.

"And as we've remained at a flat $7.25, every single one of our neighboring states has raised their minimum wage, as have 30 other states across the country. We've seen proof that Pennsylvania workers living in border counties would rather drive into another state for work so they can earn a higher wage than take a job at home in Pennsylvania."

There has been some opposition to the proposition. Republican Representative Katie Klunk said raising the rate would "put a local family restaurant out of business and, along with it, the many employees who make a living" from working at such establishments.

Senate Republicans blocked a bill in December 2023 that would have raised the minimum wage to $15 by 2026. It was first passed by the state's Democratic-controlled House of Representatives in June 2023.

"I know that's a bold vision, and some will reflexively be opposed, saying, 'We can't afford that,'" Shapiro said. "But I would argue we can't afford not to invest right now."

Democrats have argued that the state has waited far too long to increase the rate. Rep. Justin Fleming, a Dauphin County Democrat, said: "If you had told me that it would be 14 years before this body would take another stab to raise the minimum wage, I simply wouldn't have believed it. Passing this bill will keep workers who live close to our borders here in the state."