HARRISBURG, Pa. —

State Rep. Kevin Boyle, D-Philadelphia, introduced a bill that would allow each municipality to set its own minimum wage based on factors that affect workers in those communities.

Related video above:

Local business owners react to Pennsylvania minimum wage increase proposal.

Boyle’s legislation would repeal a section of the Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act that prevents municipalities from enacting a minimum wage separate from the statewide wage.

Statement

WGAL called and spoke with Boyle about the bill. "This would empower county governments to set their minimum wage in the absence of the state legislature moving on this issue in all 67 counties," Boyle said.

Boyle first introduced the bill in 2020. He believes it will now have a greater chance of getting passed with a Democratic majority in the State House.

Backed by 12 co-sponsors, the legislation would allow Philadelphia to set a minimum wage that is higher than the rest of the state. This is due to his congressional district having a higher cost of living.

According to a report from the National Employment Law Project, Black, Latino, and female workers make up a disproportionate number of workers making below $15 an hour.

Boyle hopes the bill, if passed, will help close the pay and wealth gaps these populations experience.

The current minimum wage in Pennsylvania is $7.25 per hour, which is also the federal minimum wage.

https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiZGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LndnYWwuY29tL2FydGlj...