The Bill: No Bill# yet.
Title: Fair Pay For PA: $15 NOW
What Does it Mean: Raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour beginning July 1, 2026, with no gradual increase. After that, cost-of-living adjustments. Allow municipals to increase higher wages if need be.
This is a Governor Shapiro push in his budget. It resembles SB19 on the Senate side.
The Go Big Small Biz Network’s Position: Oppose, Why? It’s government intervention that risks harming the very Main Street businesses they represent. like job loss, increase prices, employee raises small businesses can’t afford, reduced hours and reduced hiring.
Could PA be a repeat of CA? California Globe article
IMPORTANT UPDATE:
Recent Votes-14-12, Passed Judiciary Committee, March 10,2026
The Bill: HB300 Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta(D)
Title: The Fairness Act
YouTube of Hearing about 30 minutes and worth the listen.
What Does it Mean: Its purpose is to expand anti-discrimination protections by adding these categories: sex, sexual orientation (is attraction to the same or different gender), and gender identity or expression which covers gender-related identity, appearance, or characteristics, and familial status. Designed to strengthen enforcement against discrimination.
It affects business over 4 employees.
The Go Big Small Biz Network’s Position: Oppose, Why? Significant government overreach into the day-to-day operations of small businesses.
- complicate operations, like ensure job ads and applications are neutral.
- increase litigation exposure
- impose costs on resource-strapped small businesses, (accommodating bathrooms.)
- must allow flexibility for gender identity/expression (permitting attire consistent with an employee’s gender).
This bill adds yet another layer of mandates on small businesses. If it passes, owners could find themselves forced to choose between complying with new requirements and following their deeply held beliefs in areas such as hiring, dress codes, and other workplace accommodations.
The Go Big Small Biz Network exists to prevent government overreach into small businesses. We are funded by our monthly subscribers of $19/monthly. Please Join the movement.
Any Questions? Email me, tracey@gobigsmallbiz.com
Thanks,
Tracey and Jeff Wakeen
