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Sen. Dan Laughlin to Propose Minimum Wage Increase
The legislation would impact state minimum wage and tipped server wages
March 17, 2021 at 3:41 PM
IcemanJ
PA Sen. Daniel Laughlin (R-Erie) announced on March 11 that he is working to increase Pennsylvania's minimum wage. The proposal would include an increase from $7.25 per hour to $10.00, with server wages also looking to be increased from $2.83 per hour to $5.
In a release from his staff, Laughlin said the proposal stems from constituent requests and believes it's time for the discussion to be had. He believes his proposal will be "the most responsible way to approach it." Laughlin's legislation, should it pass, would be Pennsylvania's first minimum wage increase since 2009 and the amount is based on inflation.
Laughlin noted tipped wage increases accompanied minimum wage increases until 1996. "Since that time, Pennsylvania's tipped wage has remained $2.83 per hour. Today, the value of the tipped wage has depreciated to 39 percent of the minimum wage. My bill would make it more equitable," said Laughlin.
Governor Tom Wolf has been a driving force to raise the minimum wage, with state government employees currently making a minimum of $13 per hour on the path to $15 by 2024.