Wolf renews bid to put state's minimum wage among highest

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Gov. Tom Wolf is rolling out a second-term proposal to raise Pennsylvania's minimum wage after similar first-term proposals by the Democrat fell flat in the Republican-controlled Legislature.

Wolf said Wednesday he wants to raise Pennsylvania's hourly minimum to $12 this year, making it one of the highest in the nation, with annual 50-cent increases to bring it to $15 an hour in 2025. He says it would boost pay for a million workers and provide savings in programs for the poor.

Pennsylvania has been at the $7.25 federal minimum since 2009.

Most states and each of Pennsylvania's neighbors have increased minimum wages above the federal minimum.