Scarnati Plays Lead Role in the Increase of Minimum Wage

WARREN—State Senator Joe Scarnati, Chairman of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee, played a significant role in the increase of minimum wage, as well as, ensuring that small businesses were not dramatically effected by this piece of legislation. After many weeks of negotiations between both parties, the bill passed overwhelmingly with a 34-16 vote.

"As a legislator, one of the most difficult matters I tackle on a daily basis is meeting the needs of employees, while maintaining the desires of employers," Scarnati stated. "It is my sincere belief that this bill does both and after many hours of hard work, the Senate finally came up with a package that is seemingly fair to all parties involved."

Senate Bill 1090 raises the state's minimum wage from $5.15 to $6.25 beginning January 1, 2007. Also, beginning July 1, 2007 the minimum would then be moved again from $6.25 to $7.15. This bill now moves on to the House of Representatives for consideration.

"I supported an increase in the minimum wage because the general public continues to be squeezed with rising heating costs, medical insurance, and gasoline prices and this is just one step in my goal to continue to advance the lives of the working family."

"It became clear that the federal government was not going to raise the minimum wage in the near future, therefore, it became imperative that the General Assembly of Pennsylvania take steps to assist working families across the Commonwealth," Scarnati added. "Without question, it was a difficult but necessary process, and now we can move forward in furthering the quality of life for our citizens."

Scarnati also mentioned that one of the key components of the final legislative package was an amendment he placed in the bill to assist small businesses. Scarnati's amendment would allow small businesses with the equivalent of ten or fewer full-time employees to pay a lower minimum wage until July 1, 2008. The lower minimum wage would be raised from $5.15 to $5.65 beginning January 1, 2007. As well, on July 1, 2007 it would be raised again to $6.65 and finally $7.15 on July 1, 2008.

"I felt very passionate that all members had to recognize that there were two sides to the minimum wage issue," Scarnati stated. "Small businesses, which will be most effected by the increase in the minimum wage, must have time to adjust to the new salaries. As the primary ingredient in improving our economies and our communities, they had to be given high consideration during this debate."

"What has been accomplished in the Senate is nothing short of negotiation and compromise," Scarnati concluded. "This is a wonderful example of both sides working together to ensure that our workers keep working and our businesses continue to do business."