Reichard: Confusing Minimum Wage Hike Bill Rushed Through Committee

June 4, 2025

HARRISBURG – As a member of the House Labor and Industry Committee, Rep. Chad Reichard (R-Franklin) issued the following statement after Democratic members of the committee rushed through a minimum wage bill to increase the wage to $15 an hour:

“This confusing bill, which sets various minimum wage rates by county, was foisted on us mere hours before the committee was told to vote on it. Sneaking bills, especially those that are incomplete, into a committee at the last minute is not the way government should operate. This procedure sets a very bad precedence of rushing bills that will have a far-reaching impact on all Pennsylvanians through a legislative process that should include proper vetting and the ability for all members to put forth amendments. It was disheartening the committee chairman wouldn’t entertain amendments and doing the real work of committees – to create the best product possible after careful review and study.

“Frankly, you won't find any businesses paying the current minimum wage in Franklin County, and most jobs are posted at well over $15 an hour. The market drives wages. Employers will pay the amount necessary to attract the workforce they desire. Further, the $15 minimum wage will make it nearly impossible for employers to justify hiring high school workers, who are learning valuable life skills, in addition to providing them with their first incomes.

“The bill, which lacks clear information, we were unexpectedly tasked with voting on today includes various minimum wage rates depending which county work is being done. An example I raised during the committee meeting is that of a landscaping crew based in one county where the state-regulated wage is set at $10 an hour but are working in another county where the rate is $15 an hour. An arbitrator in the Department of Labor and Industry would have to decide the proper pay rate. This bill would only create confusion and would lead to economic downturns through higher prices on all consumers and would stymie economic growth.”

A video clip of Rep. Chad Reichard raising questions about House Bill 1549 during the House Labor and Industry Committee meeting is available for viewing and distribution. To download the clip, follow the link, click the three dots in the lower right corner of the screen and select download.

Representative Chad Reichard
90th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Greg Gross
717.260.6374
ggross@pahousegop.com
RepReichard.com / Facebook.com/RepReichard