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 Make Our Minimum Wage A Livable Wage

Dear Representative/Senator

I am writing as a resident of Westmoreland County to express my support for a responsible increase to Pennsylvania’s minimum wage and to encourage your leadership on this issue.

Westmoreland County reflects many of the economic pressures facing working families across the Commonwealth. While our cost of living is lower than in some urban areas, it has risen steadily in recent years; particularly for housing, utilities, food, childcare, and transportation. Many full-time workers earning the current minimum wage struggle to meet basic needs, even while holding multiple jobs. This is especially evident in retail, food service, healthcare support, and hospitality; sectors that are critical to our local economy.

At the same time, employers throughout Westmoreland County continue to face workforce shortages and high turnover. A modest, phased increase in the minimum wage would help stabilize the local labor force, reduce employee churn, and support small businesses by improving retention and productivity. Many local employers already pay above the state minimum simply to remain competitive, placing them at a disadvantage compared to neighboring states that have updated their wage standards.

Increasing the minimum wage would also strengthen our local economy. When workers earn more, they spend more locally: supporting Main Street businesses, generating local tax revenue, and reducing reliance on public assistance programs. For communities like ours that are focused on revitalization and economic resilience, this is an important consideration.

I respectfully urge you to support legislation that raises Pennsylvania’s minimum wage in a way that is thoughtful, predictable, and regionally informed. Westmoreland County’s workers and employers alike would benefit from a policy that reflects today’s economic realities rather than those of nearly two decades ago.

Thank you for your time, your service, and your continued attention to the needs of our region. I appreciate your consideration and would welcome the opportunity to discuss this issue further.

Please Include your name and address.

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