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Daugaard To Ponder Youth Wage Proposal Passed By Legislature

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Gov. Dennis Daugaard wants to review a measure to exempt South Dakota’s youngest workers from the $8.50 minimum wage voters approved in November before deciding whether to sign the bill.

The state Legislature has approved the measure. Daugaard’s spokeswoman said Thursday he wants to look over the plan, which would carve out a $7.50 youth minimum wage.

Republican Rep. Justin Cronin says it would help minors get jobs and learn from more experienced colleagues.

The proposal would affect people under age 18, and the $7.50 youth wage wouldn’t be subject to future cost-of-living increases.

Cronin says a youth wage wasn’t discussed during the ballot question campaign ahead of the election.

Democratic Rep. Karen Soli says that the proposal goes against the hike that voters approved.