The House of Representatives has passed a bill which creates a youth minimum wage. Senate Bill 177 sets the minimum wage for anyone under 18 at $7.50. This is one dollar less than the minimum wage established by voters last November. Representative Lance Russell says he was against increasing the minimum wage. However, Russell spoke against the bill. He says lawmakers must respect South Dakota voters.
"I think that it is a very dangerous precedent for us to simply overturn the will of the people," says Russell.
Those who are in favor of the measure say the new minimum wage at $8.50 will hurt youth because businesses won’t hire them at this rate. They say Senate Bill 177 will help younger workers who want jobs. The measure passed by a vote of 44 to 24. It now moves to the Governor for final approval.