Kasich Signs Bill Banning Local Minimum Wage Hikes

Ohio Gov. John Kasich has signed a bill preventing local communities from setting minimum wages that are different from the state’s wage.

The measure likely deals a blow to the campaign in Cleveland, led by the Service Employees International Union, that sought to raise the city’s minimum wage to $15 an hour. 

Clevelanders were set to vote next May on a proposal to phase in that wage increase over the next few years. 

Many city leaders, including council president Kevin Kelley, opposed raising the wage in the city alone. Kelley told Cleveland.com earlier this month that he asked state lawmakers for help. 

The measure banning local wage increases was inserted into a bill concerning the regulation of dog sales. But in the lame duck session, lawmakers packed it with other provisions. 

Ohio’s minimum wage is $8.10 an hour for non-tipped employees. It’s set to increase by five cents next year.