Contact: Cat Ulrich
cat@emccommunications.com, (202) 630-7839

May 26, 2021—Today, Lancaster business owners joined Governor Wolf in calling on state lawmakers to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage. Peter Barber, CEO of Two Dudes Painting Company, a residential and commercial painting company, and Jennie Groff, CEO of Stroopies, Inc., a stroopwafel maker and retailer, joined Gov. Tom Wolf, Reps. Patty Kim and P. Michael Sturla, and other advocates at a press conference in support of raising Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $15 by 2027.  

Pennsylvania’s minimum wage has been stuck at the federal rate of $7.25 since 2009. Gov. Wolf has proposed raising Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $15 by 2027, which is echoed in legislation (HB 345 and SB 12). All six states neighboring Pennsylvania have raised their wages above $7.25. New York, New Jersey and Maryland are each on their way to a $15 minimum wage. A bill to raise Delaware’s minimum wage to $15 has passed the State Senate and is under consideration by the Delaware House.

Peter Barber, CEO of Two Dudes Painting Company in Lancaster, said, “We've been in business for almost 35 years, and fair pay has been central to our success. Our turnover is low, which saves us money and time. More experienced employees do better quality work, are more reliable, and provide better customer service. Raising Pennsylvania's minimum wage to $15 by 2027 will strengthen businesses and our economy."

Jennie Groff, CEO of Stroopies, Inc. in Lancaster, said: “Our experience as a small company demonstrates that paying livable wages is not only doable, it is good for business. When your workers are cared for, they’ll be your biggest assets. $7.25 an hour is too low to live on. By raising the minimum wage, we will invest in our workers, support the growth of our businesses, and build a stronger Pennsylvania."

These and other business leaders across Pennsylvania support the increase, saying that raising the minimum wage will boost consumer spending and strengthen Pennsylvania’s workforce, businesses and economy.

“Minimum wage increases will go right back into Pennsylvania’s economy, helping build a widely shared recovery,” said Alissa Barron-Menza, vice president of Business for a Fair Minimum Wage. “Raising the minimum wage boosts the consumer buying power that businesses depend on to survive and grow – a purpose of the minimum wage since its creation. And it will encourage the kind of fair pay, lower turnover, better customer service business model that will help small businesses survive and thrive.”

“There is a direct correlation between how a business values the work of its employees, how they are compensated, and the quality of work received in return,” said Jesse Pellman, co-owner of Longview Structures in Lancaster. “When people are not worried if they can afford their bills, they are more focused and able to bring their best to their jobs. Raising the minimum so it keeps up with cost of living is critically important for the health of our economy and communities.”

To arrange an interview with these and other business leaders supportive of raising the minimum wage, please contact Cat Ulrich at cat@emccommunications.com or (202) 630-7839.

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Business for a Fair Minimum Wage is a network of business owners and executives and business organizations that believe a fair minimum wage makes good business sense. twitter.com/MinimumWageBiz