HARRISBURG — The House Labor & Industry Committee on June 4 voted to report House Bill 1549, a county-classified plan to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage and tie future increases to inflation, after more than two hours of debate and failed motions to delay.

House Bill 1549, introduced by Representative Dawkins and described to the panel by committee staff, would raise the minimum wage on Jan. 1, 2026, as follows: in a county of the first class (Philadelphia) to $15.00 an hour; in counties of the second class, second class A and third class to $11.00 an hour on Jan. 1, 2026, $13.00 on Jan. 1, 2027 and $15.00 on Jan. 1, 2028; and in all other county classes to $10.00 on Jan. 1, 2026, $11.00 on Jan. 1, 2027 and $12.00 on Jan. 1, 2028. The bill would set the tipped minimum wage at 60% of the applicable minimum wage and thereafter index increases to the rate of inflation.

The bill’s sponsor, Representative Dawkins, urged committee support and framed the measure as a comprehensive approach that balances wage increases with business needs. "This approach keeps Pennsylvania competitive while addressing our state's diversity, in terms of business needs," Dawkins said.

Representative Bernstein, serving as acting chair during part of the hearing, offered a typewritten amendment that would have increased the first-class-county (Philadelphia) rate from $15.00 to $45.47 an hour. Bernstein described the higher figure as an effort to deliver a "true living wage" for Philadelphia. The committee voted to table that amendment; the tabling motion was carried and the amendment will not be considered further in committee.

Opponents in committee raised process and implementation concerns. Representative Orsi moved to table House Bill 1549, saying the bill had been introduced the night before and that "I've not had a chance to review it." That motion to table failed. Other members asked for more time for stakeholder engagement and for technical clarifications about enforcement across county lines.

Representative Barker asked how the $15 figure for a first-class county was selected and whether stakeholders such as the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry had weighed in on the specific text in front of the committee. "Have you contacted relevant stakeholders...to see where they stand on this and how this will impact their ability to hire Pennsylvanians moving forward?" Barker asked. The sponsor answered that stakeholders had been engaged on the broader minimum-wage discussion but that the chamber’s specific opinion on this bill was not included in the committee summary.

Committee members also debated operational details for workers who perform work in multiple counties. The sponsor and staff said the Department of Labor and Industry would determine the applicable county in cross-county circumstances, and that the bill envisions the department making that determination when necessary.

Some members suggested exemptions or carve-outs. Representative Jones said he would like to see exceptions for teenagers and certain charitable or quasi-volunteer positions, noting concern that higher mandated wages could price out entry-level opportunities. Representative Kinkade and others argued the policy must move forward after years of stalled legislative action.

After debate and several roll calls, Representative Dawkins announced that "on that question of House Bill 1549 is favorably reported as committed." The bill will now proceed to the full House floor, where members said further amendments and detailed drafting can occur.

The committee hearing featured extended back-and-forth about process and timing as much as policy. Several members repeatedly urged more time for review and stakeholder input; sponsors and supporters said the measure is a first step toward a larger policy goal.

Next steps: House Bill 1549 is slated to be considered on the House floor, where members may offer additional amendments before any final vote of the chamber.