A group of House Democrats called on other state lawmakers to increase the state’s minimum wage Thursday, noting the last increase happened in 2009.
That’s when a federal increase took effect, bringing the minimum wage to $7.25 per hour.
“There’s a lot of good people who don’t want to be on the welfare system, but they’re forced to do that because even if you work full-time, they are still below the poverty line. That’s just not fair. It’s not right,” said Kim.
Auchae Burhannan is among them. She lives in Harrisburg with her two sons and her mother. She works part-time as a cashier, making minimum wage.
“It is very difficult to save any type of money, especially for someone who needs transportation. I do need a car. Trying to save for that is near to impossible,” said Burhannan.
Under Kim’s proposal, the minimum wage would be increased in phases. Initially, it would go up to $9 per hour. A year later, it would go up again to $10.10 per hour.
“I think everyone is in agreement that the economy is stagnant. We have to do something to help reinvigorate the economy. And, I think this minimum wage increase will be a tool to help get people buying more,” said Kim.
But, some business leaders disagree.
Gene Barr, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, said raising the minimum wage would do nothing to lower the unemployment rate. Instead, he said it would lead some small businesses, especially, to cut hours and jobs.
“The money has to come from some place. Money has to come out of the small business owner’s pocket, who has to decide whether or not that individual is worth it. And the reality is businesses can only pay what they can afford to pay to keep and retain good employees,” said Barr.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 87,000 people in Pennsylvania made minimum wage in 2012. Of course, not all do so in full-time jobs. That statistic factors in people who work summer jobs, for example.
A person making minimum wage in a full-time position earns $15,080 per year. Under Kim’s proposal, that would increase by $5,900 to $21,008.
Republicans control both legislative chambers and the governor’s mansion. Even if Kim’s bill passed the House, it’s not likely to go anywhere in the Senate.
Erik Arneson, spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R) said, “It’s not an issue we anticipate taking up this session.”