Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania has introduced the Fair Wage Act of 2025, alongside Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez from Washington. This bipartisan legislation aims to modernize the federal minimum wage by aligning it with local cost-of-living data. The goal is to replace the current uniform federal minimum wage with a model that considers regional economic conditions.
The proposed act seeks to address disparities by adjusting wages based on location-specific cost-of-living information. This ensures that workers in areas like Bucks County, Pennsylvania, are not evaluated using standards meant for economically different cities. The bill also proposes updates to the wage structure for tipped employees and young workers.
“In every corner of our country—from Levittown to Los Angeles—families are working hard, playing by the rules, and still struggling to keep up,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “It’s clear the federal minimum wage system is broken. As someone who represents a diverse, hardworking district, I know that a fair wage in Bucks County doesn’t look the same as in New York City or rural Arkansas.”
Fitzpatrick emphasized that this act offers a practical solution built on common sense and regional differences while protecting small businesses and empowering families. “I’m proud to lead this effort because I believe every American deserves the dignity of fair pay for a hard day’s work. And I’ll keep fighting until they get it,” he stated.
Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez highlighted the challenges faced by families due to rising prices: “As prices for everyday goods remain high, it’s become harder to make ends meet—even by working a full-time job.” She added that the act will ensure wages reflect economic realities and help families progress toward middle-class stability.
The Fair Wage Act includes provisions such as indexing federal minimum wages to regional living costs using data from relevant government agencies and setting fair baselines for tipped workers and young employees.
This initiative continues Congressman Fitzpatrick’s efforts toward practical solutions that support working families and strengthen local economies nationwide.
