HARRISBURG, Pa. — Since 2009, the minimum wage has remained constant in Pennsylvania at $7.25 an hour.
What has also stayed the same, is State Senator Christine Tartaglione's commitment to get more money into Pennsylvanian pockets
Her proposed bill aims to give the commonwealth the highest minimum wage in the nation, setting the bar at $20 an hour. Many other lawmakers in the general assembly, as Tartaglione has in the past, are fighting for a $15 minimum.
"The sad truth is that $15 an hour is no longer a living wage," she said.
On the wall of her office in Harrisburg is the pen that signed the last state raise in the starting wage into law back in 2006. The frame includes a picture of Tartaglione and former Governor Ed Rendell.
"I said, 'I hope I’m not back here in 10 years still asking for a raise in the minimum wage,'" Tartaglione recalled.
Yet 18 years later, that’s exactly what Senate Bill 1186 would do, as Americans nationwide deal with higher costs across the board.
Her bill not would only increase the minimum wage in Pennsylvania to $20, but also increase server wages and allow for local municipalities to set their wage above that mark.
"You shouldn't have to work four or five jobs in order to be able to put food on the table and pay rent or have to make a choice," Tartaglione said.
Stephen Herzenberg is the Executive Director of the Keystone Research Center and says the Commonwealth isn’t keeping up with its neighbors.
"All the states around us have a higher minimum wage," he expressed. "Several other states are now at or above $15 an hour."
Herzenberg also adds the debate in the general assembly is stuck on the new rate, $15 or $20, though both would be a positive change for Pennsylvanians.
"We've done the fact sheets," Herzenberg said. "For every single county, every single legislative district, this would substantially benefit lots of constituents."
Several other proposals in the State House would raise the minimum wage, but none go as far as Senator Tartaglione’s. She says $20 an hour is the right thing to do for Pennsylvanians.
"We can actually tell our workers in Pennsylvania that they’re making a living wage," Tartaglione declared.