Minimum wage increase
The governor's budget proposal linked revenue and policy changes to a minimum wage increase, but the enacted 2026-27 budget left minimum-wage policy unresolved. This remains a live issue for Pennsylvania workers, businesses, and the 2026 elections.
Should Pennsylvania raise its minimum wage?
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Sources
PA House Republican Appropriations Committee — https://www.pabudget.com/2627BudgetProposal
Enactment of new taxes and changes to the current tax structure and tax credits totaling $1.88 billion in new revenue, primarily by taxing skill games, recreational marijuana, and a minimum wage increase.
Lehigh Valley Public Media — https://www.lehighvalleypublicmedia.org/news/allentown/pa-passes-50-8-billion-budget-but-key-questions-remain
Policy goals around marijuana, minimum wage, public transit and energy weren't addressed in the 2026-27 budget, making the November elections more consequential
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
- Raise the state minimum wage substantially and index it to inflation to support low-wage workers
- Enact a moderate minimum wage increase phased in over several years
- Leave the minimum wage unchanged for now and focus on tax relief and job growth instead
- Avoid a state increase and let local economies or the federal level set wage floors
- Oppose minimum wage hikes as harmful to small businesses, hiring, and youth employment