Pennsylvania
Gov. Shapiro renews push to raise Pa.’s minimum wage: ‘It’s a shanda’
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Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said during his budget address Tuesday he wants the state to become more competitive for both businesses and workers.
Shapiro said the state is falling behind surrounding communities like New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and New York — all of which are already on track for or have enacted $15 minimum wage laws.
“It’s anticompetitive and it’s hurting our workers,” he said. “Pennsylvania workers living in border counties would rather drive into another state for work so they can earn a higher wage than take a job at home.”
It’s been 15 years since the minimum wage increased for workers in Pennsylvania when the federal government finished its step-increase from $5.15 per hour in 2007 to $7.25 in 2009.
“That’s a shanda,” Gov. Shapiro said, using the Yiddish word for shame or disgrace.
Nationwide, 30 states and many major cities have minimum wage laws higher than the federal standard — but not in Philadelphia, which lacks the legal authority to raise the minimum wage.
The Pennsylvania Democratic-controlled House passed a bill that would increase the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2026. But it has not made it out of committee in the GOP-controlled state Senate for a potential vote.
Shapiro said he’s “encouraged to see the comments of Senate leaders who’ve shown a willingness to engage on this issue.”
The last time the Pa. Senate seemed to agree to raise the state’s minimum wage to $9.50 — through a similar gradual increase by 2022 — was in 2019, but the effort failed after being blocked by Republicans.
Keystone Research Center, a Harrisburg think tank, released a report estimating 776,000 workers statewide could see a direct increase in pay if the minimum wage was higher. However, another 568,000 workers are estimated to see their pay increase as a result of the changing market landscape.
Of workers who would benefit from a higher minimum wage, 84% are adults — not teenagers. More than half are between 20 and 39 years old, according to the report.
In Philadelphia County, about 20% of the workforce, or 43,000 people, could benefit, according to the Keystone Research Center.
Some of its findings contradict a Pennsylvania minimum wage advisory board report that estimated there were 74,400 workers statewide earning minimum wage or less in 2020. But that same year, there were 693,100 workers earning between $7.26 and $12, according to the board’s report in 2021.
The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia supports the $15 an hour minimum wage as it “means to address devalued wages and promote inclusive growth in our region.”
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Hersheypark in Pennsylvaniacould be forced to close this summer amid a dispute between the site’s operators and union employees, according to a report.
The amusement park is scheduled to open seven days a week starting May 21 in a shift from its weekend-only operation before the summer, despite a looming vote among employees about whether to go on strike.
Over 200 union maintenance employees at Hersheypark, The Hotel Hershey and Giant Center rejected a contract offer from Hershey Entertainment & Resorts on May 7, according to Inside the Magic. The park’s operators described the proposal as their “last, best and final” offer.
Over a three-day period this week, employees will vote on whether to strike after rejecting the offer, which is the third from the park’s operators. A strike could close the park just in time for the start of the busy summer season when families head on vacation.
The list of employees considering going on strike includes ride mechanics, electricians, plumbers, welders, painters, machinists, utilities technicians, carpenters, garage auto mechanics and sign artists.
In mid-March, the union and Hershey Entertainment & Resorts agreed to extend a former contract for 60 days to allow for continued negotiations.
According to Inside the Magic, union workers are seeking fair wage increases, more affordable care plans and higher pay premiums for less-desirable shifts. The union has also said that it will reject new contract offers that lower professional standards, devalue skilled trades or open the door to lower wages in maintenance roles in the future.
The Independent has contacted Hershey Entertainment & Resorts for comment about the possible strike.
Hersheypark, located 15 miles east of Harrisburg, is the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania. Founded in 1906, the 121-acre site boasts more than 70 rides, a water park with 17 water attractions and an 11-acre North American Wildlife Park, according to Hersheypark’s website.
It’s named for and themed in conjunction with the popular candy company.
However, a different park in the Keystone State was named as the top amusement park in the U.S. on TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best list.
It was Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, 42 miles north-northeast of Harrisburg, that topped the list. In doing so, the little-known park was ranked higher than Dollywood, Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure that also made the top 5.
“It’s got it all: roller coasters, kid-friendly rides (bumper cars, a haunted mansion), swimming, camping, a mining museum, and even a championship 18-hole golf course,” TripAdvisor wrote. “The accommodating staff, clean facilities, and fun attractions make for a memorable family-friendly visit.”
Knoebels is the U.S.’s largest free-admission park, although tickets for individual rides cost a fee.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling on cast vote records creates uncertainty for counties
NEW CASTLE, Pa. (MyValleyTributes) – Charles “Yami” Frederick Jamison, age 83, of New Castle, Pennsylvania, formerly of Warren, Ohio, passed away, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in Haven Convalescent Home.
Mr. Jamison was born December 2, 1942, in New Castle, a son of the late Charles N. and Anna (Callihan) Jamison and was a 1960 graduate of New Castle High School.
Charles worked as an order checker clerk for Packard Electric Company, Warren, Ohio, for 31 years, until his retirement in 1999.
A proud veteran, he served his country in the United States Navy.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Church, Warren, Ohio and also attended Mass at Holy Spirit Parish – St. Mary’s Church.
Charles spent his free time hunting and playing Euchre.
He is survived by his four sisters, Margaret I. Klann, Mary E. DeMarco and Catherine “Kay” A. Houk (Robert), all of New Castle and Susan J. Olson (Donald), Winfield, Illinois; his brother, Richard Jamison (Linda) of New Castle; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the City Rescue Mission, 319 S. Croton Ave., New Castle, PA, 16101, and the Salvation Army, 240 W. Grant St., New Castle, PA, 16101.
The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the Haven Convalescent Home for the care and support that Charles received over the years.
Calling Hours will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 111 W. Falls St., New Castle.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on 10:30 a.m., Wednesday May 13, 2026, in Holy Spirit Parish – St. Mary’s Church, 124 N. Beaver St., New Castle, with Rev. Aaron Kriss, as celebrant.
Interment: Castleview Memorial Gardens, Neshannock Twp.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charles F. Jamison, please visit our flower store.
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