'The two are separate and distinct,' Ryncavage said. Ryncavage added that it's important to point out that 'minimum wage' is not synonymous with 'living wage.' Mandating an increase, especially one tied to the consumer price index, is a recipe for a budget disaster in future years.' 'Most jobs - yes, even the jobs in Luzerne County - are already offering starting salaries above what is currently in law. 'But I also believe that raising the minimum wage is not the silver bullet solution,' Ryncavage said. Alec Ryncavage, R-Plymouth, said he understands the need for individuals wanting to succeed and to earn more for the hard work that they do. 'The artificial inflation of salaries across the board is just going to lead to more devastating inflation that will only hurt Pennsylvania families who are already struggling to make ends meet,' Cabell said. Mike Cabell, R-Butler Township, said he believes the market, not government, should be allowed to set the minimum wage.

The bill would also set the minimum wage for tipped workers at 60% of the hourly minimum wage - which has been stuck at $2.83 per hour since the 20th century. Pashinski said there would be annual cost-of-living increases beginning in 2027. 'Our workers have called on us as lawmakers time and time again to provide them a livable wage and I was proud to vote in alignment with that.'

'We even had bipartisan support on this bill,' said Pashinski, D-Wilkes-Barre. The legislation would increase the minimum wage in Pennsylvania to: Pennsylvania's minimum wage is set at the federal minimum of $7.25, and was last increased in 2009. The bill passed 103-100 with all but one Democrat voting for it and two Republicans joining them.

A township tale backpack