A Republican state senator wants to see Pennsylvania’s minimum wage increased to $11 an hour.
Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) announced his plan Wednesday to introduce legislation that would gradually raise the wage in three phases.
Listen to John and Emily’s audio recap:
The first increase would be to $9 per hour, effective Jan. 1, 2026, while the second jump would be implemented on Jan. 1 2027, for $10 per hour, and the final phase would be $11 per hour, effective Jan. 1, 2028.
“This legislation is about catching up,” Laughlin said. “Most employers in Pennsylvania are already paying above minimum wage because they have to in order to attract workers. It’s time the law reflects that reality.”
Pennsylvania’s minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, which is the same as the federal minimum wage and is lower than all bordering states – New York, Ohio, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and Delaware. Laughlin’s proposal would put the commonwealth’s figure ahead of Ohio and West Virginia, but behind its other neighboring states.
It has not increased in the commonwealth since 2008 and Laughlin said that puts Pennsylvania at a competitive disadvantage.
“Raising the minimum wage is not just about fairness. It’s also an economic necessity,” Laughlin said. “It helps reduce dependence on public assistance, boosts consumer spending and strengthens local economies.”
There have been multiple efforts to raise the minimum wage over the past several sessions in the General Assembly.
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