Senate Democrats say it's time to expand the state's ability to investigate and resolve instances in which workers are not paid wages owed them.

Ohio is one of only seven states to limit investigations to the minimum wage, said Sen. Sue Morano, D-Lorain. So if someone making $15 an hour files a successful complaint with the state, the most the worker could get is the minimum $7.30 an hour -- half of what he or she is owed.

"This is a question of fairness," Morano said.

The Ohio Department of Commerce commonly gets complaints alleging that employees received a paycheck that bounced, the amount was too low, overtime wasn't paid, or tipped employees did not get their correct pay.

Morano said workers could sue, but "this remedy is simply out of reach for so many hardworking Ohioans."

As part of a national effort yesterday -- led by union and religious organizations -- to raise awareness of wage theft and the need to increase protections, Morano introduced a bill that would allow the Commerce Department to investigate and take action on individual wage complaints up to $100,000.
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