House Bill 1549, sponsored by Rep. Jason Dawkins (D-179), passed the Pennsylvania State House, 102-101. The bill proposes amending the Minimum Wage Act of 1968 to further provide for “definitions, for minimum wages, and for exemptions.”

“Using a tiered approach will allow us to tailor the minimum wage to reflect the cost-of-living in a local area,” said Dawkins on Wednesday. “It’s no secret that a $12 wage in Philadelphia is different than a $12 wage in Altoona. This bill reflects that reality and creates a framework to raise the wage for all workers – and ensure they can afford to live in their communities.”

The bill would provide “a fixed minimum wage and overtime rates for employees, with certain exceptions; providing for minimum rates for learners and apprentices; creating a Minimum Wage Advisory Board and defining its powers and duties; conferring powers and imposing duties upon the Department of Labor and Industry; imposing duties on employers; and providing penalties, further providing for definitions, for minimum wages and for exemptions.”

Every State Democrat in the House voted in favor of the bill, while every Republican voted against the bill.

The bill will move to the Senate for consideration and will likely be dead on arrival due to the Republican majority.

“Our workers deserve a fair wage for a hard day’s work, and this bill gets them there. I am urging my Senate colleagues to take this bill up and get this done for the working people of Pennsylvania,” added Dawkins.