Business & Employment (BEN) News Network, April 20, 2015
A debate is raging in Pennsylvania to raise the minimum wage. The legislation would put the commonwealth on par with 29 other U.S. states which have already passed such laws. ...
Early this month, State Representative Patty Kim chaired a public hearing in Harrisburg on her proposed bill, which would increase the minimum from the current $7.25 per hour to $9.00 per hour after 60 days and then to $10.10 per hour a year later, according to information on her website. Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf has been a vocal supporter of the bill. ...
According to the [US Department of Labor] website, a review of 64 studies on minimum wage increases found no discernable effect on employment. It also says that a survey found more than three-fifths small business owners support increasing the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour.
A group called Business for a Fair Minimum Wage, a national network of business owners, has compiled a petition with more than 1,000 signers supporting the hike. Said Vice President Alissa Barron-Menza, “The most rigorous studies show that raising the minimum wage does not increase unemployment. This makes logical sense if you realize that most companies rely on consumer demand. Consumer spending is critical for business growth, including hiring. Putting more money in the pockets of low-wage consumers will actually be a boost to the local economy.”