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Ohio Gov. John Kasich on Monday signed legislation to, among other things, block attempts to raise Cleveland's minimum wage to $15 per hour.

(Lisa DeJong, The Plain Dealer)

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio Gov. John Kasich on Monday signed legislation blocking next year's special election vote on whether to raise Cleveland's minimum wage to $15 per hour, according to his office.

Senate Bill 331 prohibits communities in the state from raising the minimum wage beyond the state's minimum wage rate, currently set at $8.10 per hour. State lawmakers passed the bill earlier this month at the request of Cleveland city officials and others, who sought to forestall a special election on the wage hike next May.

Raise Up Cleveland, the group sponsoring the proposal with the backing of the Service Employees International Union, had aimed to get a $15-per-hour minimum wage proposal on the Nov. 8 ballot. But Cleveland City Council held months of contentious hearings on the proposal, and the issue narrowly missed the ballot deadline, buying city officials and other opponents more time to try to quash the measure.

City Council President Kevin Kelley has said the proposal, if passed, would undermine the city's economic recovery.

Proponents of a minimum-wage hike have said it has public support and would help the local economy by putting more money in the hands of poorer Clevelanders who are likely to spend it.

Senate Bill 331 also includes language that sets state standards for where pet stores can buy dogs and cats, bans bestiality in the state, limits the ability of communities to block the installation of new wireless microantennas, and prohibits poultry from running onto neighboring properties.

Kasich signed the bill without comment.