Ohio Senator Bill Blessing (R-Colerain Twp) has introduced a bill to raise the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour in an effort to preempt a possible November ballot issue. The proposed legislation reportedly aims to achieve this increase in a phased approach: non-tipped workers would see their minimum wage rise to $15 over the course of four years beginning in 2028 — while tipped workers would receive $7.50 an hour. Additionally, the bill includes a refundable earned income tax credit that could provide lower-income workers with a tax refund in certain cases. The minimum wage issue will be discussed at the upcoming May 22 government affairs committee meeting. 5/5/2024