PA House passes Dawkins' bill to raise minimum wage
Rep. Jason Dawkins March 24, 2026 | 5:24 PM
HARRISBURG, March 24 – Today, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted to pass comprehensive legislation to raise the minimum wage for workers across the state.
House Bill 2189, sponsored by state Rep. Jason Dawkins, would increase the statewide minimum wage from $7.25 per hour to $11 per hour, effective Jan. 1, 2027. The minimum wage would then increase to $13 per hour in 2028 and $15 per hour in 2029, followed by annual cost-of-living adjustments.
In addition, the bill would give counties the option to implement a $15-per-hour wage sooner and set the minimum wage for tipped employees at 60% of the statewide minimum wage.
“It’s been my mission to provide a living wage for all working Pennsylvanians, and this bill passing the House is a huge step forward in that mission,” Dawkins said. “If you work hard, you shouldn’t have to worry about your next meal or having a roof over your head. Pennsylvania needs a minimum wage suitable for everyone, not just to survive, but to thrive in our state.”
The last time Pennsylvania raised its minimum wage was in 2009, when the federal minimum wage increased to $7.25 per hour. Since that time, all neighboring states have raised their wages and inflation has increased more than 50%, all while Pennsylvania has remained stagnant.
“Research shows that increasing the minimum wage does not lead to job losses or business closures,” Dawkins said. “What it does lead to is financial security and better life outcomes for families relying on minimum wage work. To my colleagues in the Senate, I implore you to take up this bill and finally raise the wage in Pennsylvania.”
The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.