Out of that estimated number, Haywood added that Pennsylvania foots approximately $1 billion of that bill.
Those opposed to a minimum wage hike argue that it would put a financial strain on companies that would lead to an increase in job cuts in order to save money.
“Take a look at the 13 states that raised their minimum wage last year,” Boyle said. “Twelve of the 13 have unemployment rates better than the national average. So don’t buy that argument that there is a relationship between increasing unemployment and raising the minimum wage.”