Schlossberg votes for minimum wage hike compromise

Rep. Mike Schlossberg    June 20, 2023 | 6:11 PM

HARRISBURG, June 20 – State Rep. Mike Schlossberg today voted to increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $15 by 2026.

“We have more than a fiscal obligation to increase the minimum wage -- we also have a moral one,” Schlossberg said. “I wish the rate was higher, but I also understand that we’re passing a compromise product that will get to the governor’s desk. In divided government, compromise is a good thing and I hope this passes the state Senate and heads to Governor Josh Shapiro for his signature.

“Increasing the minimum wage also is a suicide prevention strategy as higher wages reduce despair and are a key part of addressing Pennsylvania’s mental health crisis,” Schlossberg said.

The Lehigh County lawmaker said Pennsylvania needs to join other states in the region in raising the minimum wage because Pennsylvania has had the same $7.25 minimum wage for 16 years, falling behind every surrounding state.

“When those states raised the minimum wage, there was no exodus of jobs into PA, so that’s a false argument against us increasing it for Pennsylvania workers,” he said.

House Bill 1500 would give workers a raise to $11 in 2024, reaching $15 per hour in 2026 and then adjusting it annually beginning in 2027.

“To build a strong American economy, we need to make sure working people get a fair day’s pay for a hard day’s work. It’s estimated that raising the minimum wage will pump $6 billion a year into Pennsylvania’s economy and put money into the pockets of workers … our neighbors,” Schlossberg said.

He said tens of thousands of Pennsylvania adults are being paid the current minimum wage, many of them single women of color heading households. More than 1 million people in Pennsylvania earn less than $11 per hour.

“With food, housing and seemingly every other expense rising, these workers are past due for a raise. I am glad today’s vote is a step toward providing that raise,” Schlossberg said.

The legislation moves to the state Senate for consideration.