By Tvisha Jani, Staff Reporter
Gov. Josh Shapiro presented his 2025-26 budget proposal to the state general assembly on Feb. 4. The proposal outlines various ways to improve the lives of Pennsylvanians, such as lowering healthcare and housing costs. Additionally, the plan discusses developing the workforce, investing in the economy and supporting students. To achieve these goals, one of Shapiro’s main objectives is to increase the Pennsylvania minimum wage from the federal minimum wage, $7.25, to $15 per hour.
“We’ve spent so much time passing laws to put more money back in people’s pockets by cutting taxes. How about we put more money in people’s pockets by raising their wages?” Shapiro said in his Feb. 4 address. “This budget places a special emphasis on filling critical workforce gaps. It makes strategic, common-sense investments to give every Pennsylvanian a shot at success.”
Shapiro’s plan projects to add $100 million in increased annual revenue to the commonwealth once implemented. With the wage increase, Shapiro hopes to help Pennsylvanians achieve financial stability and decrease their reliance on public assistance programs. Senior Siyona Deb worked as an assistant German teacher outside of school and is excited about the proposed change.
“With an increase in pay, I would definitely want to work more,” Deb said. “In this economy, a lot of people work two to three jobs just to pay living expenses, so doubling the wage would be a really good idea.”
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania stated in a press release regarding Shapiro’s Feb. 4 address that Pennsylvania must take action to increase the minimum wage and compete with neighboring states that have already implemented higher wages, like Maryland at $15, Delaware at $15 and New Jersey at $15.49. Freshman Sophie Norris, who works as a retail associate and cashier at a local shop, is hopeful that the proposal will be implemented.
“If everyone else is doing it, I think there’s probably a good chance that we’ll end up following their footsteps at least somewhat,” Norris said. “Even if it’s not as big of an increase as we’d hoped, I’m hopeful there will be one.”
The state House of Representatives passed a bill in 2023 to raise the minimum wage to $15 by 2026, but it has yet to make it out of committee in the Pennsylvania Senate for a potential vote. According to the Keystone Research Center, if the legislature passes the bill, more than 1.3 million Pennsylvanian workers’ wages would increase.
“As a high schooler, especially living in an affluent area, I don’t really need that money compared to people who need to work to support their family, relatives and stuff like that,” Deb said. “While it doesn’t really impact me, it does impact other people, especially kids who have sick mothers or fathers and they need that money. They don’t have time to work a lot after school because they need to stay in school, so with an increased wage, they would have to work less hours and can focus on their education and other parts of their life rather than just needing money.”
Tvisha Jani can be reached at [email protected].
