For many families across Pennsylvania, affordability is the defining issue of everyday life. Housing, child care, groceries, and utilities continue to rise, while wages fail to keep pace. This challenge is especially stark in our state, where the minimum wage has remained $7.25 an hour since 2009.
My colleagues in the State House and I have repeatedly passed legislation to raise the minimum wage, but these bills are consistently stalled and ultimately blocked by the Republican-controlled State Senate. As a result, Pennsylvania’s minimum wage now lags behind every neighboring state — even West Virginia has increased its minimum wage above $7.25. While state Senate Republicans block progress on wage increases and other affordability measures, House Democrats remain focused on delivering real, immediate relief through tax credits, rebate programs, and initiatives that put money directly into people’s pockets.
Over the last several state budget cycles, I’ve fought for policies that provide meaningful financial relief to Pennsylvanians struggling with the cost of living. These efforts focus on practical solutions — helping people pay bills, afford care, and stay in their homes.
One of our most effective tools is the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, which we significantly expanded in 2023. This program provides cash rebates on rent or property taxes for income-eligible seniors, widows and widowers, and people with disabilities. Eligible participants may receive up to $1,000 back on rent or property taxes already paid. Applications for this year’s rebates are now open.
Last year, my district office helped return more than $265,000 to local residents through this program, allowing them to cover everyday necessities like prescriptions, utility bills, and groceries. My dedicated staff at the Bellevue office is ready to help determine eligibility and guide applicants through the process. All that is needed is basic income information and proof of rent or property tax payments. Many people are surprised to learn they qualify, so contact my office today to see if you are eligible.
In the most recent state budget, we also created the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit— a major win for families. This new refundable credit builds on the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, one of the country’s most effective anti-poverty tools. Workers who qualify for the federal credit now automatically receive a state credit equal to 10% of their federal benefit, with no separate application or additional paperwork. Nearly one million Pennsylvanians statewide are expected to benefit, including about 75,000 in Allegheny County. This is a clear example of Democrats delivering for workers, even when broader wage increases are blocked. We have also prioritized relief for families facing the high cost of caregiving. In the 2023-24 budget, we expanded the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. This recognizes that child care and elder care are often major financial burdens. Thanks to our expansion, the state credit is now equal to 100% of the federal credit, up from 30%, providing potentially thousands of dollars in relief for eligible families. Because it is refundable, families receive the full benefit even if they owe little or no state income tax.
Together, these programs reflect our commitment to making life more affordable for everyday Pennsylvanians. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished, but I know there is still much more work to do. Nearly 300 bills have passed the state House this session, most of which are still waiting in the state Senate. I will continue fighting for policies that help families thrive, strengthen our local economy, and ensure Pennsylvania is a place where people can live happy, healthy lives.
If you have questions about this column or the work I’m doing at the state Capitol, please call my office at (412) 3215523, email [email protected], or visit us at 658 Lincoln Ave. in Bellevue. We’re here to help you, your friends, and your family however we can.
