If an increase in Pennsylvania's minimum wage to $15 passes the legislature, The Allegheny Institute predicts slower economic growth and a loss of jobs.
The Allegheny Institute for Public Policy is a conservative think tank
The Institute has released a policy brief calling the wage boost economy-damaging.
State lawmakers are considering lifting the current minimum of $7.25 to 15 in stages over three years.
The Allegheny Institute brief says the argument for going to 15 because other states have done it fails to account for the difference in the cost-of-living here and California, Massachusetts. Washington and the District of Columbia.
All have much higher costs-of-living.
The Allegheny Institute also predicts companies with low profit margins will be forced to close or layoff workers and the state will be less competitive.
The state's minimum wage was last increased in 2006. Adjusting for inflation, it would be $11.12 today.
In Allegheny County, Executive Rich Fitzgerald is taking legal action against a bill that would raise minimum wage.
His office filed for declaratory judgement, asking the courts to decide on whether council has the authority to set wages.
He argues that power lies with the executive branch.
Fitzgerald vetoed the bill earlier this month, but Council voted to override it.