In January 2023, the minimum wage in Ohio for non-tipped employees increased to $10.10 per hour (up $0.80 from current State rate of $9.30) and for tipped employees the minimum wage will be $5.05 per hour (up $0.40 from the current rate of $4.65). 

The minimum wage is the lowest possible limit for employers to compensate their employees. The minimum wage system aims to prevent businesses from taking advantage of people's precious labor. Through the minimum wage, employers take responsibility for providing proper wages for people working for them, no matter how unskilled their work may be. The idea was quickly adopted in almost all countries today. However, the issue is whether it is alright to increase the minimum wage. 

Any increase or decrease in the minimum wage affects the employee, employer, and state. Because of this, any proposal regarding the minimum wage system is a hot and contentious debate. 

Those who favored increasing the minimum pay say that a raise results in a better life for workers. Good, stable, and reliable economic safety is needed for most working-class people to have the confidence to live. A financial foundation such as a "living wage" will induce consumer spending, thus stimulating businesses as the increased demand for goods and services will cause firms to grow and expand. It will also ensure that people earning a "living wage" will care for themselves and their families. 

On the other side, those opposed to the increase in minimum wage fear that such added expenses will affect the business owner/entrepreneur. The result will be a departure of businesses egressing the state, looking for greener pastures. Companies will either lay off people to pay the increased wage or increase the cost of their goods and services. Another point, minimum wage employees are not intended to remain in the minimum wage for life. A worker should rise up in the ranks and eventually raise in salary due to the rise in position. 

The question for debate is, was the 2023 minimum wage raise in Ohio enough for people struggling with poverty?