Gov. Tom Wolf’s budget contains a golden nugget: a raise in the minimum wage. This would improve the lives of 1.6 million Pennsylvania workers. It would be a shot in the arm for 27.5% of our workforce. With our ridiculous wage inequality, this increase is essential for the well-being of our workers. Improving the salaries of our lowest paid workers does not hurt, but helps, the economy.
Americans for Prosperity and the Chamber of Congress have opposed increasing wages for years and still promote their outdated checklist (“Giant Eagle worker supports state push to raise minimum wage to $12 an hour,” June 3, TribLIVE). They have a hidden agenda; they are on the side of big business.
Surrounding states have already raised their minimum wage. It is time for our state to do so. Call your state lawmakers. Urge them to listen to the will of their constituents. It is vital for our workers.
Patricia Oliver
North Huntingdon