Daily COVID updates

Support our COVID coverage

Sign up now:

Daily COVID updates

Minimum wage and the 2015 Philadephia Democratic Mayoral Primary: Where the candidates stand

Anna Orso

May. 11, 2015, 10:15 a.m.

May. 11, 2015, 10:15 a.m.

OTHER ISSUES IN THE MAYOR’S RACE: Technology and Innovation | Education | Energy and the Environment | Policing | Pot | Transportation

Pennsylvania’s minimum wage currently sits at the federal minimum, or $7.25 an hour. But protests have raged on in both Philadelphia and Harrisburg, pushing for wage rises ranging from $10.10 to $15 an hour. For candidates, it’s a balancing act: They have to keep both the businesses and the workers happy.

Here’s where they stand:

Lynne Abraham

On her campaign website, Abraham commits to working “to raise the minimum wage to fight income disparity and help Philadelphia’s businesses grow, thrive and create the good-paying jobs we need.” She’s in favor of a $15 minimum wage.

Nelson Diaz

Diaz is on record saying he supports a $15 minimum wage for workers.

Jim Kenney

Kenney is on record saying he supports a $15 minimum wage for workers.

Doug Oliver

During a mayoral forum hosted by Pennsylvania Working Families, Oliver wouldn’t commit to supporting a $15 minimum wage. According to The Inquirer, he said: “Do I support the increase in minimum wage? I do . . . I don’t know if $15 is the right number, but I know $7 and change is not.”

T. Milton Street

Street is in favor of a $15 minimum wage for workers.

Anthony Williams

Williams is on record saying he supports a $15 minimum wage for workers.

padistillers-sanitizer-robcassell-01crop

Philly’s coronavirus response

Distillers join forces on massive effort: 1.3M bottles of sanitizer for frontline workers in PA

The first shipments have gone out to hospitals across the state.

patscheesesteaks-hospitalworkers-4crop

Philly’s coronavirus response

Spreading the Philly love: 1,000 cheesesteaks donated to hospital workers around the region

Pat's is sending sandwiches to medical staff in Philadelphia, Baltimore and NYC.

A rendering of MSB by Kling Architects

How the Municipal Services Building became Philly’s most polarizing government tower

The Brutalist structure was once considered revolutionary.

Remember when we could gather outside?

Take the virtual quiz: Test your Philly knowledge and beat the high score

Local trivia's even more fun when you're in lockdown.

What a Crock is one of several food, produce, meat and seafood stands open in the Terminal during the coronavirus lockdown

Philly’s coronavirus response

As Philly supermarkets feel scary and sparse, Reading Terminal Market delivers

"Once people find out we have product, they're coming here," said a butcher at Giunta's Prime.

gavel-justice

Broke in Philly

New court order: Philly parents can fight for kids as some foster hearings restart

Previously suspended, the 10-day assessments will be held remotely.

Members of Put People First! PA protest in front of the shuttered Hahnemann Hospital on Apr. 2, 2020

Philly’s coronavirus response

Protesters: Free Hahnemann! Gov’t leaders: We have better options.

Councilmember Helen Gym thinks it’s still worth exploring eminent domain.

lovesculpture-feb2018-01crop

Philly’s coronavirus response

How not to hate your partner: 7 tips to help your relationship survive Philly’s lockdown

If your partner loads the dishwasher, thank them. Seriously.

Helium Comedy Club at 20th and Sansom has cancelled all shows — but online business is picking up

Philly’s coronavirus response

Lockdown laughs: Philly comedians take their talents online

Amusing podcasts, Zoom shows, standup streams and other virtual fun.

Boarded up storefronts are proliferating around Philadelphia

Philly’s coronavirus response

7 emergency relief options for Philly small businesses

A guide to the landscape of loans, grants and other funding options.

Scott Storch (far right) performing with The Roots at a North Philly block party in 1993

Philly hip-hop producer who worked with Dr. Dre, Beyonce and The Roots livestreams a DJ battle

Scott Storch is well on his way to a comeback.

Fairmount Avenue outside Eastern State Penitentiary on Mr. 24, 2020

Philly’s coronavirus response

Philly’s $100 fine for ‘stay-at-home’ violations among lowest in the nation

NYC fines go up to $500 per person. In Baltimore, you could be slapped with a $5k ticket.

Drive-through test sites like this one in Delaware are popping up around the Philly region

Philly’s coronavirus response

New Center City walk-up site: How to get tested for coronavirus in Philly

In most cases, you need a medical provider's referral to get a test.

A tree in spring bloom next to the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, March 2020

Philly’s coronavirus response

If you’re fighting quarantine depression, you’re not alone. These free resources can help.

Across the Philly region, many mental health providers have moved services online.

People playing group basketball games during March, when the coronavirus lockdown was in effect

Philly’s coronavirus response

Map: Where Philly removed basketball hoops to discourage group games

More than 1 in 4 city courts are now unplayable, and more takedowns are planned.

The Mann Center was a new location for the Roots Picnic last year

Philly’s coronavirus response

2020 Roots Festival postponed to Aug. 1 because coronavirus

All original tickets will be honored.

Though Monkey and the Elephant in Brewerytown is closed, foster youth are still relying on the program during the lockdown

Broke in Philly

Can videoconferencing replace family visits? Philly foster kids seek comfort, support and housing amid pandemic

The coronavirus shutdown is creating challenges across the child welfare system, with no past practices to review for advice.

fourseasons-heartskyline-coronavirus-crop

Philly’s coronavirus response

Philly skyline lights up with giant heart shape

Four Seasons engineers orchestrated most of the design remotely.

freedmanhahneman-rittenhousemansion-vandalized-01crop

Philly’s coronavirus response

‘Joel kills’: Hahnemann owner’s Philly home vandalized after coronavirus dispute

The city had considered using the former hospital for overflow space, but the asking price was too high.

'Portraits of Justice' was a public art installation by and about formerly incarcerated people, displayed on Philly's Municipal Services Building in 2018

Philly’s coronavirus response

‘This is nothing’ vs ‘hardest hit’: Formerly incarcerated people face new lockdown under coronavirus

Quarantine is nothing like prison, but finding help and work is tougher than ever.

More Billy Penn