As part of a broad sweeping agenda aimed at protecting Pennsylvania workers, Gov. Tom Wolf unveiled a plan to create safer workplaces, guarantee paid sick leave and increase worker pay. At the time Wolf unrolled the plan in October 2021, he signed an executive order and called on the General Assembly to pass legislation to increase the minimum wage from $7.25 to $12 per hour.

The move was roundly criticized by businesses, driven by fear of increased inflation. Wolf has proposed an increase in Pennsylvania's minimum wage in each of the last seven years, with his most recent proposal to catch Pennsylvania up to Delaware and New Jersey with a $15 an hour minimum wage by 2027. Those efforts have been unsuccessful in Harrisburg.