Philly Council takes testimony on $15 hourly minimum wage

Gov. Tom Wolf wants to hike Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $10.10 an hour.

Philadelphia City Council held a hearing Wednesday to listen to arguments for increasing it even more.

The Council’a  Committee on Commerce and Economic Development heard from those for — and against — raising the minimum wage $15 an hour.  

Justin Murden, one of 13 brothers and sisters, said working two minimum-wage jobs isn’t enough.

“Renting a one-bedroom apartment costs $1,000 a month, and when you add up food, clothes utilities, I run out of money before the month is over,” he said.

Councilman Kenyatta Johnson sponsored the hearing.

“Raising the minimum wage will benefit Philadelphia’s economy because Philadelphians with money in their pocket would  spend their money on local businesses who sell their goods and services,” Johnson said.

Philadelphia could raise the minimum wage paid on city contracts, but it can’t hike entry-level pay in the private sector on its own.