Since 2009, Pennsylvania’s minimum wage has remained consistent at $7.25 per hour. In March, the House of Representatives gave its blessing to raise the amount to $15 per hour.

“For more than 15 years, Pennsylvania’s minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25 an hour, falling further behind the cost of living and leaving hundreds of thousands of families struggling to make ends meet,” said Gov. Josh Shapiro in announcing his budget earlier this year. “You shouldn’t have to work two or three jobs just to put food on the table and a roof over your head. We need to raise the minimum wage so Pennsylvanians have a real shot at getting ahead. The House has answered the call and passed legislation to raise the minimum wage three separate times – now it’s time for the Senate to follow their lead and get this done.”

Without Senate action, however, the action has languished.

Respondents to our weekly question, “Do you think it is time to increase the minimum wage of $7.25 per hour in Pennsylvania?” seem to agree with the governor. During the week, 68% of those said yes while 32% said no.

According to Shapiro’s office, more than half a million Pennsylvanians earn less than $15 an hour, and the purchasing power of the Commonwealth’s current minimum wage – $7.25 per hour – has eroded by more than 30 percent since 2009.

Most businesses hiring, however, offer rates higher than the state minimum due to competition for workers. In neighboring New York state, the wage increases annually — and takes a toll on smaller employers.

This week’s poll question: One year later, do you think the county school board made the right choice by closing high schools in Sheffield and Youngsville?