Jessie Balmert

jbalmert@enquirer.com

COLUMBUS - Whether cities such as Cincinnati can set their own $15-an-hour minimum wages now depends on Gov. John Kasich.

Ohio lawmakers on Wednesday passed a bill backed by Republicans that would bar voters in Cincinnati and elsewhere from setting their own minimum wage. If signed by Kasich, no city could set a higher minimum wage than the state's rate, which will be $8.15-an-hour next year.

That would block Cincinnatians for a Strong Economy from putting a $15-an-hour minimum wage on the fall 2017 ballot. Organizer Evan Hennessy was disappointed by the state lawmakers' move, which came after Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine concluded that allowing each city to set their own minimum wages would violate the state constitution.

With his ballot initiative likely foiled, Hennessy has a new plan: "We need to come together and get a state constitutional amendment to raise minimum wage and control our own destinies," he told The Enquirer Tuesday.

Republicans argued raising the minimum wage would limit business owners' ability to hire unskilled workers and high school students, who often receive those lower wages.

"Where did you get $15? Why not make it $30?" said Rep. Jim Buchy, R-Greenville. "The market sets the pace."

The wide-reaching bill also would make it illegal for cities to ban pet stores from using puppy mills as suppliers, a provision backed by Chillicothe-based Petland. In addition, the legislation would increase the penalties for cockfighting, make bestiality a crime and allow cellphone companies to install equipment on public land to expand 5G wireless connectivity.

Democrats opposed the bill because many portions stripped control away from cities and counties in favor of statewide uniformity.