Merkl-Gump Commends State House on $15 Minimum Wage Vote, Calls on Republican State Senate to Stop Blocking Progress

PERKASIE, PA - Following the Pennsylvania House’s passage of a $15 minimum wage this week, State Senate candidate Bradley Merkl-Gump (D-Perkasie) released the following statement:

"The House’s vote is a major victory for working families. As a father and school board director, I see how financial instability at home affects students’ ability to succeed. A full-time job must provide a foundation for a stable life rather than a constant struggle for survival.

This legislation establishes vital economic guardrails. By bringing our wages in line with every neighboring state, Pennsylvania is acting to support the nearly 1.5 million residents left behind by two decades of stagnant wages.

However, Senate Republicans have blocked this progress for years and are expected to do so again. This failure of leadership must end. We cannot let petty politics stand in the way of a living wage.

When elected, I will be the vote that breaks this deadlock. It is time for leaders committed to winning these fights and delivering results for families across Lehigh and Bucks. I am ready to go to Harrisburg and get this done."

The legislation now moves to the Pennsylvania Senate, where Republican leadership has historically refused to allow a floor vote.

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