(Source for Photo: Pennsylvanians will gather at the Capitol for a policy hearing at 9 a.m. Monday, followed by a rally at 10:15 a.m. Participants will then meet with lawmakers to advocate for a minimum wage increase and immigrants’ rights. (Adobe Stock) Caption for Photo: People on strike protesting with megaphone (Source for Photo: Courtesy of Adobe Stock) Danielle Smith – Keystone State News Service

(Reported by Danielle Smith of Keystone News Service)

(Harrisburg, PA) Thousands are expected to rally in Harrisburg on Monday, for a “Raise the Wage and Immigrant Rights Day of Action.” More than 47-thousand Pennsylvania workers earn the minimum wage of 7.25 an hour, or less. Jarrett Smith with the Service Employees International Union says Pennsylvania hasn’t raised its minimum wage in over 15 years, while more than 30 other states and Washington, D.C., have all moved toward 15 dollars an hour. Smith says this makes it harder for the state to stay competitive. Smith says the coalition “Pennsylvania Stands Up” is leading the protest, backed by labor and community groups, and some lawmakers. Two years ago, the House passed a bill to raise the state minimum wage to 15 dollars by 2026, but the Senate hasn’t acted. Smith says Governor Josh Shapiro has pointed out it could bring in up to 60 million dollars a year in tax revenue.