HARRISBURG, PA − June 10, 2026 − Today, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) filed a discharge petition for House Bill 2189, introduced by Representative Dawkins. Passed along bipartisan lines in March, this bill would increase the minimum wage to $15 over the course of three years. The bill has languished in the Pennsylvania Senate for months awaiting action.
In urging Senate Republicans to take action and address the affordability crisis head-on by raising pay for thousands of workers, Senator Costa releases the following statement:
“It’s long past time to raise Pennsylvania’s pitiful minimum wage and deliver a meaningful wage increase for thousands of hard-working Pennsylvanians. We are an island among our neighboring states in our $7.25/hour minimum wage, and it’s a downright disgrace. The time is now to do the right thing, the smart thing, and the popular thing by raising Pennsylvania’s minimum wage. By filing today’s discharge petition, Senate Democrats are standing in solidarity with every worker earning less than $15/hour in demanding family-sustaining wages for every Pennsylvanian.”
Earlier today, Senator Costa offered remarks at a Raise the Wage press conference, forcefully calling upon the Senate Republicans to move HB 2189.
Read more about the Senate Democrats’ Affordability Action Plan here.
###
HARRISBURG, PA − June 10, 2026 − Today, members of the Senate Democratic Caucus rallied in support of a bill to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage from $7.25/hour, where it has stayed since 2009.
“Senate Republicans have no excuse for continuing to deny hardworking people the pay and dignity they deserve,” said Senator Art Haywood. “It is time for them to stand with working families and cast a vote for a fair, livable wage. Small businesses can even get a tax credit to help cover the cost if leadership will stop blocking the bill. We have the votes. We demand a vote.”
In a bipartisan vote in March 2026, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed House Bill 2189 which would increase the minimum wage to $15 over the course of three years. The bill currently awaits action in the Pennsylvania Senate.
Senate Democrats have also introduced numerous bills that would raise the wage for Pennsylvania’s workers, including the following:
- SB 19, introduced by Senator Tina Tartaglione
- SB 852, introduced by Senators Art Haywood and Patty Kim
- SB 889, introduced by Senators Steve Santarsiero and Maria Collett
Raising the minimum wage is a key pillar of the Senate Democrats’ Affordability Action Plan, a series of bills and legislative initiatives to improve wages and reduce costs as Pennsylvanians face an unprecedented affordability crisis. Governor Josh Shapiro has also repeatedly called for a raise in the minimum wage and has included a minimum wage increase in his budget proposal for 2026-2027.
Statement from Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa:
“Raising the minimum wage is the popular thing to do, the smart thing to do, and the right thing to do. As Pennsylvania’s families face an enormous affordability crisis, it’s up to the legislature to make sure that those who work for a living can earn a living. I urge Senate Republicans to join us as we fight to raise the wage.”
Statement from Senate Democratic Appropriations Chair Vincent Hughes:
“It has been 17 years since Pennsylvania raised the minimum wage,” said Senator Hughes. “To put this issue into perspective, every surrounding state has a higher minimum wage, with many already at $15 an hour. Don’t Pennsylvania workers deserve the same respect and value for their work?”
Statement from Senator Tina Tartaglione
“For nearly 20 years, Pennsylvania workers have watched the cost of everything go up while the minimum wage has stayed stuck at $7.25 an hour. The House has acted, Senate Democrats are ready to act, and working families cannot afford any more delays. As the budget deadline approaches, it’s time to stop talking about helping workers and finally raise the wage.”
Statement from Senator Patty Kim:
“The legislature has dragged its feet for far too long while the cost of living has skyrocketed far past what the federal minimum wage supports, wreaking havoc on hardworking families across the Commonwealth who are struggling to make ends meet. It is way past time for Pennsylvania to join the 34 other U.S. states, territories, and districts that have raised their minimum wage and given their workers the boost they so desperately need.”
Statement from Representative Matt Bradford:
“It’s disgraceful and immoral that we are stuck at $7.25 an hour, especially as the cost of groceries, gas, utilities and other necessities keep going up. House Democrats are proud that we have passed multiple bills to raise the minimum wage and that Governor Shapiro has prioritized this issue. I’m grateful Senate Democrats share our commitment to give our workers a much-needed raise, and I call on the Senate Republicans to pass this legislation now.”
Statement from Adam Goldman, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Unemployment Project:
“With the cost of living continuing to increase, workers should have a job market that provides wages you can actually get by on. It’s way past time to raise the minimum wage.”
Still photography and downloadable footage of today’s press conference are available upon request.
Learn more about the Senate Democrats’ Affordability Action Plan here.
#####
HARRISBURG, PA – May 12, 2026 − Following reports of the arrest of an individual accused of making terroristic threats against Pennsylvania state legislators, including members of the Senate Democratic Caucus, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa offers the following statement:
“I am extremely disturbed and appalled by the actions of the individual who stands accused of making violent threats towards elected officials online. Additionally, there was a clear communication breakdown that failed to keep legislators briefed on threats to their safety and subsequent steps taken by law enforcement. The safety of each and every Senator is a top priority, and I look forward to meeting with our security teams and the Pennsylvania State Police to personally ensure that all communications protocols are adhered to going forward.”
#####
HARRISBURG, PA – May 6, 2026 − Today, May 6, is the Senate’s final day in session until June 1, 2026. But despite the lengthy break, Senate Republicans moved no bills to raise wages, bring down costs, or work on the 2026-27 Pennsylvania Budget, due on June 30.
On behalf of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa and Senate Democratic Appropriations Chair Vincent Hughes offer the following statement:
“Senate Republicans are committed to wasting precious time in this chamber, and it’s downright shameful. While Pennsylvanians are paying skyrocketing utility bills, dropping healthcare coverage, and struggling to put food on their tables, Senate Republicans squandered a week in Harrisburg with ridiculous culture war bills that will not bring down costs for families.
“Senate Democrats have remained laser focused on raising pay and easing the pain of Trump’s Affordability Crisis. We have put forth popular, bipartisan legislation that will put money directly into the pockets of hardworking families. The House sent us a budget vehicle weeks ago, and we remain committed to working with all parties on budget negotiations.
“But what have Senate Republicans done with these bills? Absolutely nothing, as they often do. Pennsylvanians deserve leadership that tackles the problems plaguing constituents, not leadership that fabricates distractions and shenanigans that waste everyone’s time.
“Senate Democrats strongly urge our Republican colleagues to get serious about delivering legislation and a budget product that delivers affordability for Pennsylvania’s families. We are disappointed that Republican leadership faild to do so this week, and we sincerely hope they come to their senses by June 1.”
Read more about the Senate Democrats’ Affordability Action Plan here.
#####
HARRISBURG, PA – April 29, 2026 − Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Louisiana v. Callais, holding that a plaintiff alleging race-based discrimination under the Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 will be successful only if they can prove that there was a “strong inference of intentional discrimination” by the State and using an impossible legal test for any future plaintiff to meet in doing so.
In response, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa offers the following statement:
“The Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus has stood for fair, free elections that empower all Americans to elect leaders who share their values. As we celebrate the nation’s semiquincentennial, we are reminded of the struggles of communities of color, who organized for decades for inclusion in our political processes, maps that recognize their equal right to elect a representative of their choice, and protection from actors seeking to erase them entirely. Today’s decision deals a tragic blow to the Voting Rights Act and the legal protections it afforded to the voting power of racial minorities. Our caucus will continue the difficult, necessary work of supporting every Pennsylvanian, of every race, ethnicity, background, and creed, to secure representation that reflects the diversity that we treasure so dearly as Americans.”
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats’ commitment to every Pennsylvanian here.
#####
