what is issue 2?

Most people already know the basic idea of Issue 2 - that it will raise the minimum wage. A YES for Issue 2 will align Ohio seven other states in defying the Federal Government and raise the minimum wage from the Federal standard $5.15 an hour to $6.85.

If Issue 2 passes, Ohio will join 21 other states that currently have minimum wages higher than the Federal standard. Starting January 1, the minimum wage will not only be raised, but a stipulation would be put in place that would require the minimum wage be adjusted every Jan. 1 in accordance with the Consumer Price Index (CPI), or, simply put, according to inflation.

However, passage of this act would not affect everyone. Employees under the age of 16 or employees of businesses that bring in $250,000 or less a year will still be subject to the federal minimum wage standard. The amendment does stipulate that the federal wage will also be adjusted yearly as well. This means that while these employees may not see a pay raise next year, it is very likely they will see their wages adjusted in the years to come.

Wages less than the minimum wage would also be allowed for employees in service jobs who are paid tips (but these wages cannot be less than half the minimum), family members employed at family owned and operated businesses and individuals with mental or physical disabilities, as long as the employers have a state-issued license to do so.

There is other language in the proposed amendment, however that most people overlook. It has to do with employee records. Provisions attached to this amendment require that Ohio employers keep daily records of employee names, addresses, occupations, pay rate and hours worked (for both hourly and salary employees).

Employees would be required to release these records on demand and free of charge to any employee or any person acting on behalf of an employee. In simple terms, employees will not be asked to authorize any information released to other employees. This can include such sensitive information as social security numbers as well.

For more information read these official arguments FOR and AGAINST Issue 2.