The current minimum wage for the United States is $7.25 per hour, which is the federal minimum wage. However, states and local governments have the right to set their own minimum wage rate that is higher than the federal rate. On March 5th, 2019, Pennsylvania joined 29 other states and the District of Columbia by increasing their minimum wage rate above the federal rate, setting their minimum wage rate to $7.25 per hour. This increase will continue each year incrementally until the rate hit $9.50 per hour in 2023.
The increase in the minimum wage rate in Pennsylvania is due to the passage of the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2018. This act mandated that the minimum wage rate in Pennsylvania must increase from $7.25 per hour to $8.75 per hour on January 1st, 2021. After 2021, the rate will increase to $9.25 per hour on January 1st, 2022 and finally to $9.50 per hour in 2023. After 2023, the rate will continue to increase annually with inflation, with the amount being rounded to the nearest 0.05.
The increase in the minimum wage rate in Pennsylvania will have both positive and negative impacts on the state. On the positive side, it will provide financial benefits to those who work in positions requiring a minimum wage rate. This increase will provide those individuals with more income, which can help them cover the costs of basic necessities such as food, rent, and other bills.
On the negative side, the increase in the minimum wage rate will lead to higher costs for businesses in the state. Employers will have to pay more wages to their employees, which will lead to higher overhead and operational costs, reducing their profit margins. Employers may also be forced to lay off workers if they are unable to pay the higher wages, leading to higher rates of unemployment in the state.
In conclusion, the increased minimum wage rate in Pennsylvania is set to take effect in 2023. While this increase has the potential to benefit individuals who are in need of a higher income, it will lead to higher operating costs for businesses in the state, potentially leading to layoffs and an increase in unemployment. Therefore, the effects of the minimum wage rate should be closely monitored to ensure that it does not have a negative impact on life in Pennsylvania.
