There is a definite need to increase the minimum wage in Pennsylvania. I was hoping the state would raise the wage to $7.15 right away, instead of waiting two years, that is my only criticism. This is definitely long overdue.

Mr. Speaker, the time for an increase in the minimum wage has not just arrived; it is long overdue.

McDonald's does not close down and move across the state line when you raise the minimum wage.

Whether we were doing the minimum-wage increase or not this year, the wages were still going to go up because of the market. There always will be people who need to start at minimum wage, but there are not many people that have to in this market.

I don't know of a single economist who disagrees that when you raise the minimum wage, you kill jobs for the poor.

Our organization is opposed to any increase in the minimum wage. The marketplace should set the minimum wage and we feel ... that it will cause job losses in the state.