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Panel Approves Measure To Allow Minimum Wage To Decrease

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A state House Committee has approved a proposal that would allow South Dakota’s minimum wage to decrease in the event of negative inflation.

The House Commerce and Energy Committee on Friday voted to approve the measure.

It erases a provision from the voter-approved language that bars the minimum wage from being decreased.

Republican Rep. Jim Bolin says the built-in costs of living adjustments in the minimum wage plan should react to positive or negative economic news.

Residents voted in November to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.50 an hour and increase the $2.13 hourly tip wage to half the minimum wage. They also tied future increases to the cost of living, which the House proposal changes.

House Minority Leader Spencer Hawley says the plan goes against voter intent.