Urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to introduce legislation allowing Cities and Counties of the First Class to set their own minimum wage laws.

WHEREAS, The minimum wage in Pennsylvania is the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour, and has been since 2009; and

WHEREAS, In May 2019, Philadelphians overwhelmingly supported a $15.00 per hour minimum wage for City workers and contractors by 2025; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia has one of the lowest “real” minimum wages in the United States, which when adjusted for cost living expenses amounts to $6.69 per hour; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia is the only first-class City in Pennsylvania, with more than 1.5 million residents and is the economic center of Pennsylvania and the surrounding region; and

WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania General Assembly has attempted to pass legislation mandating an increase in the minimum wage but has failed to pass such legislation; and

WHEREAS, Many Philadelphians are experiencing economic crisis as renters face record amounts of back-rent, rising costs of goods and services, and stagnant wages; and

WHEREAS, The specific needs of Philadelphia and its residents are unique, and a statewide minimum wage would likely not address these specific needs; and

WHEREAS, Previous attempts to pass legislation to increase the minimum wage have failed and neither the General Assembly nor the Governor have been able to succeed in changing the minimum wage laws; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia deserves the right to enact its own minimum wage laws; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia’s workers are the backbone of its economy, and these individuals deserve a living wage that is consistent with the value of their labor and reflective of the important role they play in keeping our City running; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby urges the General Assembly to introduce legislation which would allow for Philadelphia to enact its own minimum wage laws.

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