Senate and House Democrats Call on Senate Republicans to take up House Bill 2189 and Raise Pennsylvania’s Minimum Wage

HARRISBURG, PA − June 10, 2026 − Today, members of the Senate Democratic Caucus rallied in support of a bill to raise Pennsylvania's minimum wage from $7.25/hour, where it has stayed since 2009.

"Senate Republicans have no excuse for continuing to deny hardworking people the pay and dignity they deserve," said Senator Art Haywood. "It is time for them to stand with working families and cast a vote for a fair, livable wage. Small businesses can even get a tax credit to help cover the cost if leadership will stop blocking the bill. We have the votes. We demand a vote."

In a bipartisan vote in March 2026, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed House Bill 2189 which would increase the minimum wage to $15 over the course of three years. The bill currently awaits action in the Pennsylvania Senate.

Senate Democrats have also introduced numerous bills that would raise the wage for Pennsylvania's workers, including the following:

• SB 19, introduced by Senator Tina Tartaglione
• SB 852, introduced by Senators Art Haywood and Patty Kim
• SB 889, introduced 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 to improve wages and reduce costs as Pennsylvanians face an unprecedented affordability crisis. Governor Josh Shapiro has also repeatedly called for a raise in the minimum wage and has included a minimum wage increase in his budget proposal for 2026-2027.

Statement from Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa:
"Raising the minimum wage is the popular thing to do, the smart thing to do, and the right thing to do. As Pennsylvania's families face an enormous affordability crisis, it's up to the legislature to make sure that those who work for a living can earn a living. I urge Senate Republicans to join us as we fight to raise the wage."

Statement from Senate Democratic Appropriations Chair Vincent Hughes:
"It has 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, with many already at $15 an hour. Don't Pennsylvania workers deserve the same respect and value for their work?"

Statement from Senator Tina Tartaglione
"For nearly 20 years, Pennsylvania workers have watched the cost of everything go up while the minimum wage has stayed stuck at $7.25 an hour. The House has acted, Senate Democrats are ready to act, and working families cannot afford any more delays. As the budget deadline approaches, it's time to stop talking about helping workers and finally raise the wage."

Statement from Senator Patty Kim:
"The legislature has dragged its feet for far too long while the cost of living has skyrocketed far past what the federal minimum wage supports, wreaking havoc on hardworking families across the Commonwealth who are struggling to make ends meet. It is way past time for Pennsylvania to join the 34 other U.S. states, territories, and districts that have raised their minimum wage and given their workers the boost they so desperately need."

Statement from Representative Matt Bradford:
"It's disgraceful and immoral that we are stuck at $7.25 an hour, especially as the cost of groceries, gas, utilities and other necessities keep going up. House Democrats are proud that we have passed multiple bills to raise the minimum wage and that Governor Shapiro has prioritized this issue. I'm grateful Senate Democrats share our commitment to give our workers a much-needed raise, and I call on the Senate Republicans to pass this legislation now."

Statement from Adam Goldman, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Unemployment Project:
"With the cost of living continuing to increase, workers should have a job market that provides wages you can actually get by on. It's way past time to raise the minimum wage."

Still photography and downloadable footage of today's press conference are available upon request.

Learn more about the Senate Democrats' Affordability Action Plan here.

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