Harrisburg, PA – Today, after Governor Josh Shapiro called for raising the minimum wage in the 2026 Budget Address, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed H.B. 2189, taking another crucial step towards finally increasing Pennsylvania’s minimum wage, after being stuck at $7.25 per hour for 17 years. Governor Shapiro is now urging the Senate to pass this long overdue legislation and put it on his desk to help working families across the Commonwealth.
Raising the minimum wage will boost consumer spending, reduce turnover for employers, and improve workers’ health and economic stability, all while delivering significant savings for taxpayers and more revenue for the Commonwealth.
“For more than 15 years, Pennsylvania’s minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25 an hour, falling further behind the cost of living and leaving hundreds of thousands of families struggling to make ends meet,” said Governor Shapiro. “You shouldn’t have to work two or three jobs just to put food on the table and a roof over your head. We need to raise the minimum wage so Pennsylvanians have a real shot at getting ahead. The House has answered the call and passed legislation to raise the minimum wage three separate times – now it’s time for the Senate to follow their lead and get this done.”
Today, more than half a million Pennsylvanians earn less than $15 an hour, and the purchasing power of the Commonwealth’s current minimum wage – $7.25 per hour – has eroded by more than 30 percent since 2009.
Raising the minimum wage isn’t just the right thing to do for Pennsylvania’s families — it’s a smart economic and budgetary choice that puts more money in people’s pockets, saves taxpayers’ money, and helps Pennsylvania compete and grow. By raising wages, the Commonwealth would help transition from public assistance, saving millions in Medicaid spending. Higher wages would generate new revenue each year, strengthening Pennsylvania’s fiscal position while helping working families get ahead.
Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has called for this change every year — now, it’s time for the Senate to follow the House’s lead, make the fiscally responsible choice to increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage, and support every working family across the Commonwealth.
Watch the Governor’s full budget address to a joint session of the House and Senate here and read the Governor’s full remarks as prepared for delivery here.
Read the Governor’s 2026-27 proposed budget in brief here.