House Moves to Raise Minimum Wage

From Gongwer News Service....
A House panel acted unexpectedly late Tuesday to raise the state’s minimum wage...the amendment, offered by Rep. Chuck Blasdel (R-E. Liverpool), a congressional candidate, would raise the state’s minimum wage from $4.25 per hour to the federal minimum of $5.15 per hour. The bill is slated for a House floor vote on Wednesday.

Ohio is catching up to the federal minimum wage over ten years after it was passed. Though it's a non-binding floor, it will certainly have an impact on wages for some and entire jobs for others. The ammendment to change the minimum wage is peculiar given the timing and circumstances. No big deal being made by politicians or rallies by special interest groups. This was something done quietly without little noise. Why? Most Ohioans support raising the minimum wage. You would think politicians would be screaming from the rafters. But most companies probably could do without this ammendment. In theory it puts an artificially high minimum on the cost of doing business. And for many politicians they have been screaming about creating more jobs. In theory, this probably isn't the answer. But for many Ohioans it's too low to raise a family or even take care of yourself living on 4.25/hour. In an election year, that may win you a couple new friends.