Lawmakers are continuing to discuss a measure which creates a youth minimum wage. Senate Bill 177 establishes a minimum wage of $7.50 an hour for anyone under the age of 18. This is one dollar less than what South Dakota citizens voted for during the November 2014 elections.
Senator Craig Tieszen of Rapid City says he was reluctant to change the minimum wage law so soon after the public voted to raise it. However, after hearing proponents of the legislation he believes that the $8.50 minimum wage would reduce youth employment which he believes voters did not intend to do.
"When I was talking with constituencies about the minimum wage bill the youth portion of it wasn’t something that was discussed. And I just think that making this change will provide better opportunities for youth," says Tieszen.
Senator Billie Sutton of Burke disagrees. He says South Dakota voters knew what they were voting on and would have established a youth minimum wage if that’s what they truly wanted.
"Already we’re seeing this bill that would undermine the vote of the people. I thinks it’s a very dangerous road to head down to start making adjustments to a law that was passed by over 55% of the voters in South Dakota," says Sutton.
Senate Bill 177 is scheduled for another hearing this Wednesday in front of the House Commerce and Energy committee.