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

Anna Orso

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

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.

A mural in honor of Dominique Rem'mie Fells at Graffiti Pier, created by artist Jeannine Kayembe-Oro

Friends and family honor the life of Dominique Rem’mie Fells with a big West Philly block party

Instead of a vigil, this year’s event is a celebration.

Headlines of Yore

The Phillies pitcher who married a movie star’s daughter and was nominated for a Pulitzer

Born in 1942, Larry Colton had a fascinating life.

Health care workers at the Temple University vaccination clinic in April 2021

Philly’s coronavirus response

How vaccination rate in Philly varies by race/ethnicity and age

Case counts in Philadelphia more than tripled over the latter half of July — and 99% are in people who haven't gotten both doses of the vaccine.

Philly food and drink scene

Best pizza in Philly? Tyrese Maxey picks Giovani’s in Center City

The rising Sixers star gave the underrated sports bar a shoutout on Instagram.

Left: Laura Foreman doing her job; Right: Convicted state legislator Henry 'Buddy' Cianfrani speaking to the media about their relationship

The story of Laura Foreman, reporter whose affair inspired The Inquirer’s ethics policy and proved a double standard in journalism

“I don’t care if my reporters are sleeping with elephants, as long as they aren’t covering the circus.”

Mayor Jim Kenney speaks at the opening of the FEMA clinic in March

Philly’s coronavirus response

Philadelphia: Still no vaccine requirements for city workers, same with SEPTA and school district

The Kenney administration continues to avoid a mandate.

Terrill Haigler aka Ya Fav Trashman led a protest on the steps of Philadelphia’s Municipal Services Building demanding clean streets, better pay for sanitation workers and the resignation of Streets Department Commissioner Carlton Williams. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

Ya Fav Trashman and partners dump litter at Mayor Kenney’s feet to highlight city trash failures

The former sanitation worker is calling for the Streets Commissioner to resign, and also launching a cleanup app called Glitter.

Property owners are selling the building where Paradigm has been located for the past six years

Paradigm Gallery in bidding war for Queen Village home before someone else scoops it up

Support has been pouring in for the community mainstay, which has been in the neighborhood for a decade.

Crabfries and cheese sauce at Yankee Stadium in July

It’s true, Philly sports fan favorite Crabfries are now sold at Yankee Stadium

Chickie’s & Pete’s opened the Bronx ballpark concession stand this spring after two years in talks.

Headlines of Yore

One century ago, Philadelphia was ground zero in the battle to define free speech

As World War I raged, the local Socialist Party came under fire — and sparked a challenge to the Espionage Act.

1,000-year storm? In 1982, Northeast Philly saw even more intense rainfall than last week

“Thousand-year” means a weather event has a 0.1% chance of occurring annually — but with climate change, flood frequency is growing.

Lisa Phillips with her rescue dogs Charlie and Daisy. While on walks she searches out money on the street and collects it for charity.

Broke in Philly

Picking up pennies on Philly streets, and turning them into philanthropy

Lisa Phillips uses her knack for finding loose change to help wipe out medical debt.

An anti-violence rally in March 2021 at Philadelphia City Hall

Would a gun violence emergency help Philadelphia? Advocates just want action, whatever you call it

Semantics aside, the city still hasn’t set a timeline for distributing its new anti-violence grants.

Part of the group forming the new organization (L - R): Maso Kibble, Diamond Anthony, Jessica Kallup, Manny Frank-Lampon, Rich Frank-Lampon, André Henson aka Alzei Barbei Mizrahi, Elicia Gonzales, Jamaal Henderson, Abdul-Aliy Muhammad

Reinventing Philly’s Pride Parade: What happens next?

A new group is working to create a celebration that’s affordable, representative, and inclusive — without police.

Participants of the youth advocacy programs at Philadelphia's Juvenile Law Center pose at the Pa. State Capitol with program managers Cathy Moffa (L) and Marcía Hopkins (R)

Broke in Philly

Thousands of Philly foster youth are still waiting for pandemic relief money

The $1.1 million in federal funding is being distributed via $200 gift cards.

Cars will return to MLK Drive early August, with slimmed down traffic pattern

The Fairmount Park roadway is reopening to auto traffic after 16 months.

Users upset as costs force Free Library to drop free movie streaming service

Kanopy and Hoopla funds will be redirected to physical branches.

Philly food and drink scene

Three popular Philly bars are closing for a week to give workers paid vacation

Standard Tap, Johnny Brenda’s and The International join a small list of independent restaurants where staff get summer PTO.

Henderson made an appearance in the 1957 movie 'Jamboree' alongside Dick Clark

Headlines of Yore

35 years before ‘Hamilton,’ this legendary DJ was using rap to teach history in Philly middle schools

The "Ace from Outer Space" worked locally at WDAS — when he wasn't cutting records, running for office, or helping educate kids.

Protesters upset about the planned demolition of Carousel House made their way onto Belmont Ave to stop traffic and make their point heard, chanting, 'Repair and reopen for the disabled community.'

‘First of many’ protests over teardown of Philly’s only rec center for people with disabilities

“I'm praying that they stay open,” said a mother whose son has Down syndrome and visited the Carousel House often.

More Billy Penn