Minimum-wage increase would cut Ohio jobs, group says

WASHINGTON — The Employment Policies Institute has released a study examining proposals to raise the federal minimum wage to $9.80 per hour.

According to EPI’s analysis of recent Census Bureau data, a wage hike of this magnitude is projected to eliminate as many as 35,634 jobs for Ohio’s less-skilled and experienced workers.

Analyzing Census data, the study finds that the legislation is poorly targeted to those in poverty. The average family income of a beneficiary of a $9.80 wage hike in Ohio is $51,889 — well above the $15,080 year-round income cited by proponents of the minimum-wage rate increase.

The average family income figure reflects that nearly 61 percent those who would benefit from the increase either live at home with family, or have a spouse who also works. The study states 6 percent of beneficiaries are single parents supporting children.

“The economic consensus on raising the minimum wage is clear, and these latest proposals are no exception,” said Michael Saltsman, research fellow at EPI. “Instead of reducing poverty rates, a higher minimum wage reduces employment for the least-skilled job seekers.”