Quote of the Day

Democrats on the Brink of Historic $15 Minimum Wage Victory: Could This Change Everything for Pennsylvania Workers?

In a narrow vote on Tuesday, Pennsylvania's Democrat-majority House of Representatives passed a bill that seeks to increase the minimum wage to $15 by 2026. This achievement reflects the fulfillment of a long-standing Democratic party campaign promise that has historically been opposed by Republican legislative majorities.

The bill, which passed with a margin of 103–100, saw majority Democrat support and was also backed by two Republicans. However, its fate is uncertain in the Republican-dominated Senate, especially as lawmakers and Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro shift their focus to budget legislation ahead of the new fiscal year beginning July 1.

Currently, Pennsylvania's minimum wage aligns with the federal minimum of $7.25, which was last updated in 2009. The proposed law would incrementally raise the minimum wage: first to $11 in the initial year, then to $13 in 2025, and finally reaching $15 in 2026. Furthermore, the bill would index future increases to inflation, a strategy already adopted by 15 other states.

The proposed legislation also seeks to raise the tipped wage to 60% of the minimum wage, a significant increase from the current $2.83 per hour. This push follows the Democrats' recent attainment of a House majority, albeit by a single seat, for the first time in 12 years.

Democrats have been advocating for a higher minimum wage for several years. Representative Justin Fleming, a Democrat from Dauphin County, highlighted the importance of this cause during his campaign. He reminisced about working for a former Democratic governor when the Legislature last raised the minimum wage. He stated that passing this bill would help retain workers within the state and support Pennsylvania businesses.

Meanwhile, Republicans expressed their apprehensions about the financial implications for small businesses. Representative Katie Klunk, a Republican from York County, voiced her inability to back a bill that could potentially jeopardize family-run restaurants and their employees.

Some Democrats believe that the proposed increase is still inadequate. Dauphin County Democrat Representative Patty Kim, citing an African proverb, argued that even with a $15 minimum wage, working families would continue to struggle. She supported the bill as a step towards a broader solution for these families.

Governor Shapiro campaigned for a $15 minimum wage last year and sought an increase in his first budget address. Previous attempts by former Democratic Governor Tom Wolf to raise the minimum wage were thwarted by Republican opposition. However, Wolf did manage to impose higher wage requirements on companies receiving state aid and state contractors in 2021 and 2016, respectively.

Currently, 30 other states and Washington, D.C., have surpassed the federal minimum wage. This includes some Republican-led states, as per the National Conference of State Legislatures. All neighboring states of Pennsylvania have raised their minimum wage as well, although Ohio's law excludes lower-earning businesses and employees under 16.

June marks the budget month for Pennsylvania's Legislature, typically a period for negotiation on priority policies between governors and top lawmakers. Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman, a Republican, stated his caucus would consider the minimum wage bill once passed by the House. However, he expressed doubt over the feasibility of a $15 hourly wage for Republicans in the Senate.

In 2019, a deal with Governor Wolf saw the Senate agree to a phased increase in Pennsylvania's minimum wage to $9.50 by 2022, but this proposal was blocked by the House's Republican majority.

MCCC's Municipal Police Academy Proudly Honors 28 Cadets at Graduation Ceremony

Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) held a graduation ceremony for 28 cadets from its Municipal Police Academy. The ceremony, held at the Health Sciences Center on the Blue Bell Campus, celebrated Class 2301, 15 of whom have already been hired by local police departments.

The District Attorney of Montgomery County, Kevin R. Steele, gave a speech emphasizing the importance of their role as representatives of the law enforcement community. Kyle Longacre, Dean of Workforce and Economic Development, and Georgette Hill, Director of Public Services Training Program and the Municipal Police Academy, also spoke at the ceremony, encouraging the cadets to remember their training and to view the community members they serve with respect and understanding.

Class speaker, Detective Michael Cermignano, highlighted the significance of their new role as law enforcement officers. He told the cadets that they were joining a small and distinguished group of people in the United States who have earned the right to wear the police uniform.

Several cadets were recognized for their achievements with awards. Jacob Hennessey received the Sgt. James R. Miller Marksmanship Award and the Chief John J. McGowan III Memorial Scholarship. John Hayward was awarded the Award of Distinction, Emilitza Trujillo received the Professional Development Award, Colby Goldsmith was given the Corporal Brian Kozera Physical Fitness Award, and Travis Hodes earned the Platoon Leader Merit Award. Robert Giantonio, the valedictorian of the class, and Colby Goldsmith were both awarded the Quest for the Best Scholarship. Additionally, ten cadets received a $1,000 scholarship from the AT&T Foundation Public Safety Scholarship, and Alexander Moyer was awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Whitpain Township Police Association for his outstanding performance.

Since its establishment in 1973, the Municipal Police Academy at MCCC has trained over 4,100 cadets with a consistent graduation rate of more than 90 percent. Many of the academy's alumni serve as officers and in leadership roles throughout Montgomery County and the region.

Underwater Noises Detected! Is the Lost Titanic Exploring Submersible Sending Distress Signals?

In a massive search operation in the North Atlantic, Canadian military surveillance detected underwater noises, potentially offering a glimmer of hope for the missing submersible "Titan" and its five passengers. The Titan was exploring the Titanic wreck when it vanished. On board were the pilot, Stockton Rush, CEO of the expedition company, a British adventurer, two members of a Pakistani business family, and a Titanic expert. The noises detected have yet to yield positive results despite ongoing investigations.

International efforts to locate the Titan include the use of an underwater robot and a push to get salvage equipment to the scene. However, the situation is urgent, as the submersible's oxygen supply could run out by Thursday morning. The submersible, constructed from carbon fiber, was reported overdue on Sunday night from waters about 435 miles south of St. John’s.

U.S. military transport planes have been used to move submersible and support equipment to aid the search, with additional support from the Canadian military in the form of a patrol aircraft, two surface ships, and sonar buoys deployed to listen for the Titan.

The Titan, equipped with seven backup systems to return to the surface, stopped communicating about an hour and 45 minutes after submerging. This could indicate a total loss of power or a catastrophic hull breach. The search and rescue efforts continue with the hope of finding the vessel and its passengers

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$5.2 Million Deal Seals the Sale of Pottstown's Warehouse and Distribution Center

A 60,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution facility in Pottstown's Industrial Park has been sold to TMC Pottstown LLC, a subsidiary of TMC Properties LLC, a full-service real estate company based in the Washington Metropolitan Area, for $5.2 million. The seller, Wynnestay LLP, was represented by the CBRE Investment Properties team.

The property, developed in 2000, serves as the headquarters for The Eastwood Co., a company providing automotive tools and supplies for repair and restoration. The building houses a warehouse, office space, a video production studio, and a retail store, and is currently fully occupied by Eastwood on a long-term lease.

Upcoming Local Events

• Young Professionals Netwalking and Refreshments June 21 6:00-8:00 PM

• TooManyGames - 2023 - June 23-25

• Midget Mayhem Wrestling Goes Wild! June 25th, 5-7PM EDT

• Electronics Recycling Collection @ Warwick Park, Chester County June 27, 9AM-1PM EDT

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PHILLIES

Strider Strikes Out Nine in Triumphant Return to Philly; Braves Topple Phillies 4-2

In their first trip back to Philadelphia since the NL Division Series, the Atlanta Braves defeated the Phillies 4-2, marking their seventh consecutive victory. Spencer Strider, starting for the first time since his postseason collapse, gave a compelling performance, striking out nine over six innings. The game also witnessed home runs from Austin Riley and Matt Olson.

Strider's performance was particularly noteworthy given his history with the Phillies, especially Rhys Hoskins who hit a memorable home run off him in Game 3 of the series. However, Hoskins is currently out for the season with a torn ACL.

Despite getting off to a good start with leadoff hits in the first and third innings, and two consecutive ones in the fourth, the Phillies could only manage a single run, scored by Nick Castellanos. Strider's impressive form continued as he improved to 6-0 over seven career games and six starts against the Phillies, without allowing a walk.

Raisel Iglesias conceded a run in the ninth but struck out Kyle Schwarber with the potential tying run on base, securing his 10th save. Despite both teams entering with 13-2 records over their last 15 games, the Braves' victory pushed the Phillies nine games behind in the NL East division.

Ranger Suarez, starting for the Phillies, matched Strider's strong performance, striking out seven over the first 5 1/3 innings and only conceding a home run to Riley. His continued improvement has been a key factor in Philadelphia's recent resurgence. However, Phillies reliever Jeff Hoffman allowed a walk and a single in the seventh, leading to Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ozzie Albies extending Atlanta's lead. Olson's solo home run in the eighth sealed the victory for the Braves.

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