Attorney: Louisville can set own minimum wage

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The Jefferson County attorney has issued a legal opinion saying Louisville officials can set a minimum wage in the city.

Media report that Jefferson County Attorney Mike O’Connell told Metro Council members in a letter that they could pass an ordinance setting a higher minimum wage than the rest of the state without conflicting with state law.

The opinion comes in response to a request from Councilwoman Attica Scott. She is part of a Democratic majority on the council who have voiced support for an increasing the minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $10.10 an hour.

Scott and other council members said they plan to introduce an ordinance for a gradual increase.

State lawmakers did not pass a proposal earlier this year to raise the minimum wage statewide.

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