The Republican-controlled General Assembly must act on the will of the people

Pennsylvania was once a leader in the minimum wage discussion. Senator Hughes was on the front lines fighting for the people the last time the minimum wage was raised to $6.25 in 2007 and he has continued to advocate for a minimum wage that helps Pennsylvanians earn a dignified living.

Minimum Wage MapUnfortunately, Pennsylvania’s minimum wage has been stagnant since the federal hike to $7.25 in 2009. Our surrounding neighbors all have raised their minimum wage in the 10 years since, leaving Pennsylvania near the back of the pack for wages nationally. 

Gov. Tom Wolf proposed a plan to raise the minimum wage by Julio, with modest increases until 2025 when the minimum wage would reach $15 an hour. Sen. Hughes and the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus supported the governor’s proposal, which was ultimately stymied by the Republican-controlled General Assembly. 

Nearly two-thirds of Pennsylvanians support a minimum wage increase to $15 an hour. What’s more we live in a state with where a quarter of its people live below the poverty line and it takes nearly $60,000 per year for a family of four to afford housing, food, transportation and the typical emergency expenses.

This cannot be allowed to continue. The people are tired of working just to barely survive. They need a new deal. They deserve a new deal. It’s time for a #NewDeal4NewPA to provide our people with a living wage and a fair shot at economic security.

The folks with Raise the Wage PA have been working with Senator Hughes and have been integral in publicizing the need to raise the wage. You can do your part by calling your legislators and demand a change!