Co-Sponsorship Memo Details

I plan to introduce legislation that would provide for an increase in the minimum wage in Pennsylvania to $15.00 per hour over a four year period.
 
My bill would increase the minimum wage to $15.00 per hour within four years in accordance to the following schedule:
 

• $9.00 per hour within 90 days;
• $10.50 per hour within one year;
• $12.50 per hour within two years;
• $13.50 per hour within three years; and
• $15.00 per hour within four years of enactment of the legislation.

 
My proposal also provides for an annual cost of living adjustment tied to the Consumer Price Index once the $15.00 per hour wage becomes effective.  Finally, my legislation would repeal Section 14.1 (Preemption) of the Minimum Wage Act, which prohibits local governments from establishing their own minimum wage requirements.  A growing number of local governments throughout the United States are driving the minimum wage debate forward by issuing their own requirements.  I believe Pennsylvania cities, counties, boroughs and townships should have the same flexibility as do their counterparts in other states.
 
Please consider the following:

• Minneapolis, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington D.C, and Providence have increased the minimum wage to $15.00 per hour.
• States with legislation pending to increase the minimum wage to $15.00 per hour include Alaska, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont and Wisconsin.
• Two 2016 bills (House and Senate) have been pre-filed in Florida to increase the minimum wage to $15.00 per hour.
   

All of these changes will look more and more reasonable over time as the flood of actions by other jurisdictions around our country continues to spread.  I invite you to join me in supporting this initiative to increase wages for low-income workers by co-sponsoring this legislation.
 
If you have any questions, you may contact Kathy Seidl of my office at 787-4117 or kseidl@pahouse.net.
 
Thank you.