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Reading City Council Advocates for Minimum Wage Increase

Reading City Council gathers to advocate for increased minimum wage.

News Summary

The Reading City Council has unanimously passed a resolution urging the Pennsylvania state legislature to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour. Introduced by Councilman Jaime Baez Jr., this motion addresses the stagnation of Pennsylvania’s minimum wage since 2009, highlighting the financial struggles many residents face. With strong support from city officials and locals, the council’s efforts aim to influence state legislation and improve the living standards of workers in the region.

Reading, Pennsylvania – City Council Unanimously Calls for Minimum Wage Increase

The Reading City Council has taken a decisive step towards advocating for increased wages by adopting a resolution that urges the Pennsylvania state legislature to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour. This resolution, introduced by Councilman Jaime Baez Jr., comes amid ongoing discussions regarding the necessity for a higher wage floor in light of rising living costs.

The resolution specifically calls on the state Senate to consider House Bill 1150, a proposal by state Representative G. Roni Green, a Democrat from Philadelphia. If passed, this legislation would raise the current minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 per hour, starting January 1, along with contingencies for an annual cost of living adjustment in future wage reviews.

It is important to note that Pennsylvania’s minimum wage has remained unchanged since 2009, a stagnation that has drawn criticism from various local leaders and residents alike. Councilman Baez highlighted the repeated failures to advance previous minimum wage proposals through the state Senate, underscoring a persistent issue that affects many workers.

Council’s Concerns Over Wage Stagnation

Reading City Council President Donna Reed pointed out that Pennsylvania lags behind its neighboring states when it comes to minimum wage rates. For context, the District of Columbia currently holds the highest minimum wage at $17 per hour, with New Jersey offering $15.13 for most employees. Such disparity raises questions about the living standards of Pennsylvania workers and their ability to meet basic needs.

A number of residents attended the council meeting to voice their concerns regarding the difficulties of surviving on the current minimum wage. For instance, local resident Jae Elizabeth Giesen shared experiences of struggling to pay rent with her minimal earnings, further illustrating the real-life implications of inadequate wages.

Support from City Officials and Residents

Reading’s Mayor Eddie Moran expressed strong backing for the initiative, emphasizing the city’s commitment to improving wage standards for its employees. His support reflects a broader trend among municipalities aiming to influence state legislation on minimum wage matters.

The City Council’s resolution represents a collective effort to push for legislative reform in wage policy, reflecting a growing movement among cities to advocate for higher minimum wages. Presently, there are 34 states across the country that have enacted minimum wages above the federal standard, which calls for action in Pennsylvania to keep pace with national trends.

Further Actions by the Council

In addition to discussions about the minimum wage resolution, the Reading City Council also voted in favor of a separate conditional use application to transform a property into a two-unit apartment. This decision signifies ongoing efforts to develop housing solutions amid broader discussions about economic welfare and the living situation for residents.

As the state Senate deliberates on House Bill 1150, the Reading City Council’s resolution serves as a critical reminder of the growing tension surrounding wage policies and the urgent need to address the financial challenges that many working Pennsylvanians face.