FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Nicole Reigelman House Democratic Communications Office Phone: 717-787-7895 Fax: 717-783-6839 Email: nreigelm@pahouse.net	State Rep. Mark Cohen D-Philadelphia www.pahouse.com/cohen

Cohen still fighting for living wage

HARRISBURG, July 5 – State Rep. Mark Cohen, D-Phila., has introduced a bill that would increase pay for workers whose jobs are subsidized by state funds.

Cohen’s legislation (H.B. 1697) would require that all jobs subsidized by state funds pay at least $1 more per hour than the minimum wage.

“We achieved a major victory for Pennsylvania’s workers last year," Cohen said regarding increases in the state minimum wage that took effect in January and again July 1. “But we know that even an increased minimum wage is not enough to keep many families out of poverty. My bill would be a starting point and set the example for a higher wage that truly values the labor of our state’s workers.”

Cohen said Pennsylvania should not be subsidizing low-wage jobs, and that the state should take the lead on creating good-paying jobs.

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