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