The state legislators who shared their views Friday at the annual Legislative Breakfast joined in an energetic exchange during the question-and-answer period after their presentations.

Catherine Lalonde, chairwoman of the county Democratic Committee, told the Republican legislators who attended the breakfast that while she agrees people should get back to work, there are reasons why many have opted to remain on unemployment, like having a child at home. “I don't think you can, across the board, say people are being lazy,” Lalonde said.

She also asked why it is never the right time to raise the minimum wage.

State Rep. Aaron Bernstine, R-10th, replied that schools should not have been closed as long as they were during the pandemic.

He said he favors parents being able to send their children to other school districts in their communities that are open when the child's school has been closed.

Bernstine added that child care costs are crushing the state economy.

He said the cost per month for his son at a day care in Cranberry Township was $1,380. “Providing funding for day care is important,” Bernstine said.

Regarding minimum wage, Bernstine said only 1.5% of Pennsylvania workers earn minimum wage, and most are in the restaurant industry. He said no businesses are now hiring at $7.25 per hour. “I've seen $12 and $13.50,” Bernstine said.

Kevin Boozel, county commissioner, said the high starting wages being seen now are a result of the coronavirus pandemic and would not have been that high normally.

Patrick LeMay, a judge of elections in the county, pointed to the medical industry as an employer that sometimes pays low wages for jobs that require college degrees or specialized knowledge.

He said his daughter has a bachelor's degree, yet she earns $10 per hour as an employee at UPMC. “These people care about people and the companies take advantage of that,” LeMay said.

Jack Cohen, president of the county Tourism and Convention Bureau, told the panel that there are not enough individuals in Butler County to fill all the positions being advertised.

He asked the legislators what is being done in the House and Senate to attract people to Pennsylvania.

State Rep. Tim Bonner, R-8th, said the state would lose 27,000 jobs if the minimum wage were raised. “There are serious risks if you push the minimum wage issue,” Bonner said. “You will see a reduction in minimum wage jobs in Pennsylvania because these are the first jobs that are going to be cut.”

Cohen said taxation is another reason families and businesses do not locate in Pennsylvania. “We have to figure out how to get people here and retain them,” he said. “There has to be a way.”

Bonner replied that at 9.9%, Pennsylvania has the highest corporate tax rate in the U.S. as well as the highest gas tax.

Those who inherit money also pay a significant inheritance tax upon the death of a loved one. “Who wants to come in and pay the tax rates in Pennsylvania?” Bonner said.

State Rep. Marci Mustello, R-11th, said the myriad regulations on businesses in the state are another reason some businesses avoid Pennsylvania.

“Regulations are forcing businesses to leave and, really, nobody's coming in,” she said.

Lalonde said states that have increased their minimum wage have done better economically.

Bernstine said the nation will only be successful if adults adopt personal accountability and “pull themselves up by their bootstraps.”

“It's easy to say 'pull yourself up by your bootstraps' if you have bootstraps,” Lalonde replied.