Saturday, March 31, 2007

Ohio Minimum Wage

Well the Ohio minimum wage is kicking in and guess what, companies have to raise their prices to accommodate the increased labor cost.

Here's what a young couple making minimum wage had to say about the increase in their wages.

James Nelson and Sara Prather, a young, engaged couple with two small children, live with her grandmother in West Chester. They're trying to save money for their wedding and a home.


Nelson, 22, works as a mechanic and Prather stays at home taking care of Lillian, 2, and Jayden, 6 months, because day care costs more than any part-time job brings in. Their finances are so tight they've decided they couldn't afford a cell phone.


Even though Nelson made more than minimum wage before, the rate increased above his old pay level, which meant he also got a raise from $6.45 to $7 an hour, or an extra $20 a week.


Prather, 20, outside a Frisch's restaurant in Bellevue where menu prices increased, said it seems like their money is being taken away just as they were about to get a little ahead.


"This is the only restaurant we can go to and not spend an arm and a leg," she said.


So congratulations all you minimum wage do gooders, you succeeded in helping the working poor continue to tread water.

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