Philadelphia, PA − June 12, 2025 – Senator Christine Tartaglione (D–2, Philadelphia) issues the following statement following the House passage of HB 1549, legislation sponsored by Representative Dawkins to raise the minimum wage in Pennsylvania:
“I want to congratulate my friend Representative Jason Dawkins and the entire House of Representatives on the successful passage of House Bill 1549 to raise the minimum wage in Pennsylvania. This is a big step forward and it’s long overdue.
While this bill takes a tiered approach based on county population and differs from my legislation, Senate Bill 19, which sets a $15 minimum wage statewide, we share the same mission: getting working Pennsylvanians the raise they’ve earned. After 19 years of inaction, I’m not here to draw lines in the sand. I’m here to get this done.
We’re still paying $7.25 an hour in Pennsylvania. Every state around us is doing better by their workers, and while we argue over details, people are falling behind. No one working full-time should live in poverty.
I’m calling on my colleagues in the Senate to do what’s right, and act now to raise the minimum wage. Whether it’s HB 1549 or SB 19, let’s get to work. If it’s a compromise that brings us together, I’m ready to negotiate. I don’t care whose name is on the bill; I care about the people counting on us to act.
Let’s come to the table. Let’s lead. And let’s finally give Pennsylvania’s workers the raise they deserve.”
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