For Immediate Release:

March 7, 2023

SEIU State Council Statement on the Governor’s Budget Address

“SEIU applauds Governor Shapiro for sharpening the call for Pennsylvania to raise the minimum wage to $15 NOW. After 17 years of inaction, it is long past time to move $15 to the forefront of the legislature’s to-do list.

“While passing $15, the legislature should ALSO take action to right the wrong of ‘preemption’ and give cities and counties control over setting their minimum wage. This common-sense step allowed in 25 other states would allow local elected leaders to respond in real time to the needs of their communities, businesses, and voters.  Most importantly, it would mean that communities would not have to suffer through another 17 years of legislative inaction.

“As we approach the state budget deadline, SEIU members stand ready to support the critical investments that Governor Shapiro has laid out on childcare, nursing, public health education, SNAP benefits, the unemployment compensation system, emergency services and criminal justice reform.

“Governor Shapiro said in his speech that all Pennsylvanians should have the right to organize and bargain collectively.  He’s right – every Pennsylvanian, no matter where they come from or what they look like, should have the right to join a union.  We stand ready to fight for a budget that seeks justice PA for every Pennsylvania worker.” -- SEIU PA State Council