Gov. Tom Wolf on Friday called on lawmakers to raise the minimum wage in Pennsylvania, which has not been increased in 11 years.
The state’s minimum wage was set at $7.25 on July 24, 2009, the last time the federal government raised wages. Prior to that, the minimum wage was raised to $6.55 in 2008 and to $5.85 in 2007.
“Today is a sad reminder that, across the state, many workers are on the job and earning poverty wages because Pennsylvania hasn’t raised the minimum wage in over a decade,” Wolf said. “Many of them are essential workers, who throughout the covid-19 pandemic have gone to work and put themselves at risk to provide the services all of us rely on.”
Wolf noted Pennsylvania lags behind 29 states and Washington, D.C., that have raised the hourly minimum wage, among them neighboring Maryland ($11), New Jersey ($11), New York ($11.80), Ohio ($8.70) and West Virginia ($8.75). Washington state has the highest minimum wage, $13.50 per hour.
Debate over the minimum wage has intensified over the past few years, with some arguing it should be raised to $15. Last year, the Democratic-led House voted to raise the federal minimum wage by 2025. At the time, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, said he would not embrace the bill.
“Eleven years is far too long for hardworking people — no matter the age — to struggle with low wages,” Wolf said. “Now more than ever, it’s time for the General Assembly to listen. It’s time to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage.”
