Hot topic research-minimum wage increase 2012

According to the article I found in the Columbus Dispatcher, businesses earning less than $283,000 (gross) are subject to lower minimum wage rates for employees. These companies are obligated to pay employees, including 14 and 15 year olds $7.25/hr, whereas companies grossing more than that amount by the new law (effective the first of 2012 in the state of Ohio) would be obligated to pay workers $7.70/hr. It is very interesting that the government made the distinction between small business and larger businesses. It seems that the general public is in favor of the increase in minimum wage. The New York Times states in the article "A Minimum Wage Increase" that the 4.4 million people (6% of the hourly workforce) live off of miniumum wage and they need a pay raise to off-set the cost of living and the rate of inflation. Most people are clamoring for higher pay and are struggling with the current minimum wage.

Sheketoff, Chuck. “2012 Minimum Wage Hike Good for Oregonians and Goo for Economy.”  Blue Oregon.org Mandate Media September 15, 2011. Accessed October 19, 2011. http://blueoregon.org/2011/09/2012-minimum-wage-hike-good-oregonians-and-good-economy/

“A Minimum Wage Increase.” The New York Times. March 26, 2011. Accessed October 19, 2011. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/27/opinion/27sun2.html?_r=1

Johnson, Alan. “Ohio to Increase Minimum Wage in January.” The Columbus Dispatch. September 30, 2011. Accessed October 19, 2011. http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2011/09/30/ohio-to-increase-minimum-wage-in-january.html