kent smith
Ohio bill to raise minimum wage to $15, eliminate tipped worker distinction has sponsor testimony
A bill that would raise Ohio’s minimum wage was rolled out for the first time to the Senate Workforce and Higher Education Committee Wednesday afternoon during sponsor testimony. Ohio Sens. Kent Smith, D-Euclid, and Hearcel Craig, D-Columbus, introduced Senate Bill 146, which would gradually increase the state’s minimum wage $1 each year until it was […]
Democrats ask LaRose to provide more information about moving his office to campaign headquarters
Thirteen Ohio Democratic lawmakers are asking Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose to provide more information about moving his office to the same location as his U.S. Senate campaign headquarters. Earlier this month, it was reported that LaRose is looking to move the secretary of state’s office from a building at 180 E. Broad Street, […]
Ohio Democrats introduce bill that would raise the state’s minimum wage
Ohio Democratic lawmakers have once again introduced a bill that would raise the state’s minimum wage. Ohio Senators Kent Smith, D-Euclid, and Hearcel Craig, D-Columbus, recently introduced Senate Bill 146, which would gradually raise the state’s minimum wage one dollar each year until it was up to $15. Under the bill, minimum wage would increase […]
Local boards of election stressed by lack of funding in state budget for August special election
Local boards of election in Ohio are stressed following the announcement of the Senate budget, which underfunds the special election that the lawmakers created and that the boards spoke out against. Some lawmakers argue this is being done purposely to suppress voters. Counties are attempting to get ready for the Aug. 8 special election. “If […]
Ohio state Senate Democrats lay out priorities for the coming term
Ohio’s Senate Democrats gathered in a Statehouse conference room Tuesday to discuss their priorities for the coming term. The gathering itself offered a stark visual reminder of the challenges the minority faces. The seven Democratic senators weren’t even enough to fill the small conference table where they met. Minority Leader Nickie Antonio acknowledged they face […]
In early morning vote, Ohio House agrees to send voter ID restrictions to the governor
After a protracted day at the Ohio Statehouse, lawmakers approved sweeping new voting restrictions including photo ID requirements early Thursday morning. That proposal now heads to the governor. The House gaveled in for session early Wednesday afternoon, and after half an hour of ceremonial proceedings broke for recess. Rep. Tim Ginter, R-Salem, described the break […]
Ohio’s minimum wage to rise by 10 cents per hour in 2021
The Ohio minimum wage will rise by 10 cents to $8.80 per hour in 2021. That will be the wage for non-tipped employees. Tipped workers will earn $4.35 per hour plus tips in 2021. Ohio workers under the age of 16 will make the federal minimum wage, which is $7.25 per hour. Ohio’s minimum wage […]
DeWine again caught in middle of tug-of-war over COVID-19 response
Ohio has reached another crossroads in the battle against COVID-19. Gov. Mike DeWine is once again caught in the middle as the state repeatedly sets new records for virus cases and hospitalizations. After months of a decentralized approach and emphasis on personal responsibility, DeWine now says Ohio faces “a monumental crisis.” As much as the […]
State legislature approves ban on local ‘bag bans’
Paper or plastic? That’s a question headed to the governor’s desk. The state legislature has approved House Bill 242 that would prevent local governments from enacting any ban or tax on “auxiliary containers” such as plastic bags over the coming year. The Ohio House of Representatives passed the ban on bag bans late last year. […]