Should Ohio raise its minimum wage to $15?

Published May 29, 2024 at 9:13 AM EDT

FILE - Activists appeal for a $15 minimum wage near the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021. According to the Economic Policy Institute, the federal minimum wage in 2021 was worth 34% less than in 1968, when its purchasing power peaked. — Activists appeal for a $15 minimum wage near the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021. According to the Economic Policy Institute, the federal minimum wage in 2021 was worth 34% less than in 1968, when its purchasing power peaked.

The fight for $15 – a proposal to increase Ohio’s minimum wage through a constitutional amendment is moving forward. Yet, a new restaurant-trade association survey shows that not all restaurant workers are on board with a plan to boost pay and remove tips.

We talk with those for and against, and a lawmaker sponsoring a related bill.

Guests:

John Barker, president and CEO of the Ohio Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance
Matt Schmidt, brand ambassador for Schmidt's Restaurant and Sausage Haus
Sen. Bill Blessing, bill sponsor in the Ohio Senate
Mariah Ross, ballot initiative director of Raise the Wage Ohio
Saru Jayaraman, president of One Fair Wage

If you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.