HARRISBURG, PA – June 10, 2026 – Today, members of the Senate Democratic Caucus gathered to support a bill that would raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage from $7.25 an hour, unchanged since 2009.
“Senate Republicans have no excuse to continue to deny hard-working people the pay and dignity they deserve,” he added. said Senator Art Haywood. “It’s time for them to stand with working families and vote for a living wage. Small businesses could even get a tax break to cover their costs if leaders stop blocking the bill. We have the votes. We demand the vote.”
On a bipartisan vote in March 2026, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed House Bill 2189 which would raise the minimum wage to $15 over three years. The bill is currently pending in the Pennsylvania Senate.
Senate Democrats have also introduced numerous bills to raise wages for Pennsylvania workers, including:
- SB 19introduced by Senator Tina Tartaglione
- SB 852introduced by Senators Art Haywood and Patty Kim
- SB 889introduced by Senators Steve Santarsiero and Maria Collett
Raising the minimum wage is a key pillar of the Senate Democrats’ Affordability Action Plan, a series of bills and legislative initiatives aimed at improving wages and lowering costs in the face of an unprecedented affordability crisis. Gov. Josh Shapiro has repeatedly called for raising the minimum wage and included a minimum wage boost in his 2026-2027 budget proposal.
Statement from Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa:
“Raising the minimum wage is the popular, smart and right thing to do. As Pennsylvania families face a massive affordability crisis, it is the Legislature’s job to make sure those who earn it for a living can earn a living. I am calling on Senate Republicans to join us in the fight to raise the wage.”
Statement from Senate Democratic Appropriations Chairman Vincent Hughes:
“It’s been 17 years since Pennsylvania raised the minimum wage,” said Senator Hughes. “To put this issue into perspective, every surrounding state has a higher minimum wage, and many are already at $15 an hour. Don’t Pennsylvania workers deserve the same respect and value for their work?”
Statement by Senator Tina Tartaglione
“For nearly 20 years, Pennsylvania workers have watched the cost of everything increase while the minimum wage remains unchanged at $7.25 an hour. The House has taken action, Senate Democrats are ready to act, and working families can’t afford any more delays. As the budget deadline approaches, it’s time to stop talking about helping workers and finally raise wages.”
Statement by Senator Patty Kim:
“The Legislature has waited far too long while the cost of living has skyrocketed beyond the federal minimum wage, wreaking havoc on hard-working families across the Commonwealth struggling to make ends meet. It’s past time for Pennsylvania to join the 34 other U.S. states, territories and counties that have raised the minimum wage and given their workers the support they so desperately need.”
Statement from Representative Matt Bradford:
“It is shameful and immoral that we are stuck at $7.25 an hour, especially as the costs of groceries, gas, utilities and other necessities continue to rise. House Democrats are proud that we have passed multiple bills to raise the minimum wage and that Governor Shapiro has made this issue a priority. I am grateful to Senate Democrats who share our commitment to giving our workers a much-needed raise, and I urge Senate Republicans to pass this legislation now.”
Statement from Adam Goldman, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Unemployment Project:
“As the cost of living increases, workers should have a labor market that provides wages they can actually live on. It’s high time to raise the minimum wage.”
Photos and downloads from today’s press conference are available upon request.
More information about the Senate Democrats’ Action Plan on Affordability can be found here.
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