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Ohio Governor John Kasich Signs Bill That Blocks $15/Hour Minimum Wage Push in Ohio


Last week, Ohio Governor John Kasich signed into law Senate Bill 331 which prevents cities in the state of Ohio from raising their minimum wage rates above the state's minimum wage rate (currently set at $8.10/hour, but going up to $8.15/hour next year).  There had previously been much back and forth on the matter with Cleveland attempting to raise minimum wage rates in the city to $15/hour.

Readers might remember that opponents to the minimum wage hike in Cleveland (above the state's minimum wage rate) argued that it violated the state's constitution.  In fact, back in July, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine issued an advisory opinion in which he concurred with this interpretation of the state's constitution and argued that cities and municipalities in the state that sought to set higher minimum wage rates should not be allowed.

For the time being, this puts the matter to rest.  However, it would not surprise me if proponents of a higher minimum wage rate take the matter to court.  


For additional information:  http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2016/12/gov_john_kasich_signs_bill_blo.html

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