The South Dakota Democratic Party and several labor groups are starting a drive to raise the state minimum wage through an initiated measure on the 2014 ballot. The goal is to boost the minimum wage from the current $7.25 an hour to $8.50. David Owen, president of the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry says while the proposal may sound good to workers it may actually hurt business…..
He says groups in the past have used the initiative process to spark discussion and this is no exception…
Owen looks forward to an exchange of information…..
Pettitioner’s need just under 16,000 valid signatures before November 4th to place the issue before voters. If approved the highter minimum wage would take effect in 2015.