Democrats Celebrate Another Year of Increased Minimum Wages

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 5, 2024

On Monday, South Dakota’s minimum wage increased from $10.80 an hour to $11.20 an hour. Tipped employees will receive $5.60 an hour.

This is thanks to Initiated Measure 18, which was championed by state Democrats and approved by voters in 2014. The law requires the state to adjust the minimum wage each year based on the cost of living. In no case can the minimum wage be decreased.

“When we got our 30,000+ petition signatures, thanks in large part due to our volunteers, we celebrated a lot,” said National Committeewoman for SDDP Deb Knecht. “We were pleased that we were able to get minimum wage on the ballot in South Dakota. We couldn’t have done it without quite a bit of support, especially from the unions.”

Since the measure was approved, South Dakota’s wages have increased from $7.25 an hour in 2014 to $11.20 in 2024.

State Democrats are proud to have led the effort to put the initiated measure on the ballot so South Dakotans could give themselves a raise each year. Opponents of the measure said this would lead to businesses cutting workers, however South Dakota’s unemployment rate is at 2%, which is one of the lowest in the country.

This is especially important right now as inflation has increased the cost of just about everything we buy. South Dakota also saw a 9% drop in median household income from 2021 to 2022. There is still more work to be done to make sure wages in South Dakota keep up with inflation. Raising wages makes it easier for families to pay bills, buy necessities, save money and contribute to the economy.

For questions, you may contact Dan at dan@sddp.org or contact the state party office by phone at 605-271-5405 or 605-940-3071.

Paid for by the South Dakota Democratic Party | www.sddp.org