ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) — Employees of Tompkins County now earn at least $18.45, the county’s current living wage.

Legislators approved that last week, which triggered a conversation about creating a county living wage for non-government workers. Legislative Chair Dan Klein says his colleagues are split.

Klein adds it could be problematic.

Chairman Klein isn’t optimistic a countywide living wage would be approved in the legislature.

FULL INTERVIEW: Tompkins County Legislative Chair Dan Klein on Ithaca’s Morning News