Shapiro Seeks Minimum Wage Hike in PA Budget Talks
Governor Josh Shapiro is advocating for a minimum wage increase to 15 dollars per hour as Pennsylvania lawmakers face a June 30 budget deadline. Proponents argue the move could save the state 300 million dollars in annual entitlement spending while opponents warn of potential price hikes.
Governor Josh Shapiro is pushing to raise Pennsylvania's minimum wage from $7.25 to $15.00 per hour by 2029. The proposal seeks to update a rate unchanged since 2009 through a phased increase starting at $11.00 in 2027. This shift aims to reduce state entitlement spending by moving higher-earning workers off public assistance rolls.
### Fiscal Impact of Higher Wages The Shapiro administration projects that raising the wage floor could generate $300 million in annual savings. These savings would come from reduced spending on Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Pennsylvania Human Services Secretary Valerie Arkoosh told the House Appropriations Committee in March that earning higher wages is the most effective way for residents to move off state programs.
