DEMOCRATS FIGHTING FOR YOU
Berks Democratic Leaders Step Up to Raise the Minimum Wage
In a party-line vote, Berks County State Representatives Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz (PA 129), Manny Guzman (PA 127), and Jacklyn Rusnock (PA 126) stood in solidarity with their Democratic colleagues to advance HB 1549, a bill to raise the minimum wage. Meanwhile, local Republicans: Gillen (PA 128), Weaknecht (PA 5), Maloney (PA130), Barton (PA 124), and Zimmerman (PA 99) voted against the measure. Boo.
The bill would increase the minimum wage from the federally mandated rate of $7.25 an hour to $15 for most Pennsylvanians, and to $12 for those working in smaller, rural counties including Berks.
The last time Pennsylvania had a minimum wage increase was 2009, changing from $7.15 an hour to a whopping $7.25 an hour. By the way, in 2009, when Berks County natives Jon and Kate Gosselin were making headlines with their reality TV series, Pennsylvania decided a ten-cent minimum wage hike was enough to last...forever? Well, Jon and Kate split. And the minimum wage is still clinging to its 2009 cameo like it's waiting for a reunion special!
If you’re still not convinced the minimum wage should be increased: United for ALICE calculated a “threshold survival budget” for a single person household in Berks County at $29,964. A person working full time at the current minimum wage would have a yearly gross income of $15,080. Seriously!? No one can or should be expected to live on that salary.
Next stop: the Senate, where Sen. Christine Tartaglione (PA 2, Philly) has introduced Senate Bill 19, the chamber’s companion legislation.
Want to see Berks County workers earn a true living wage? Your voice matters. Call your State Senator and urge support for Senate Bill 19.
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