Curry applauds minimum wage increase passing PA House
Rep. Gina H. Curry June 12, 2025 | 11:42 AM
HARRISBURG, June 12 – State Rep. Gina H. Curry, D-Delaware, applauds Wednesday’s PA House passage of a bill that would raise the minimum wage in Pennsylvania. The bill, the first to raise the minimum wage in more than a decade, would give all workers a base pay of at least $12 an hour by 2028. It also includes an increase for tipped workers.
“We’ve seen the cost of nearly everything significantly increase over the past several years, and yet the state minimum wage remained the same,” said Curry. “Medical fees, food prices, and housing rates – all these essential needs have increased in cost by 49 – 67% since 2009. It’s ridiculous to think that our residents can meet those needs when their pay hasn’t increased at all.”
As of 2024, nearly 47,000 working Pennsylvanians were earning minimum wage or less, with another 255,000 earning near the minimum wage. And this is despite seeing success when bordering states raised their wages. Right now, Pennsylvanian’s earn a minimum of $7.25 an hour; workers in West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey and New York range from $8.75 to $15.50.
House Bill 1549 would raise the wage on a regional schedule starting in 2026. Philadelphia County would increase to $15 an hour on Jan. 1 and then remain stable until cost-of-living adjustments take place in 2029. Most other counties would see phased increases on Jan. 1, 2026, in 2027, and in 2028. The minimum wage in each county would then be adjusted based on the consumer price index starting in 2029.
“Ultimately, my goal is a level of equity where all workers, regardless of their Zip code, receive the same minimum wage. The current bill does not reflect the level of equity I’m fighting for – but it is movement that can’t be delayed any longer,” said Curry. “I remain committed to continuing the fight for the people of Delaware County and ensuring that every worker, every family, and every child has the same opportunity to thrive. This is a win, but it is not the finish line.
“I voted for this bill because I, like 80% of Americans, know that communities simply cannot thrive if they’re not sure how they’re going to pay the rent, get medical care, and keep food on the table. It’s unacceptable that it’s taken this long to get here.”
The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration.
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