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Michigan Lawmakers are moving forward on a measure to effectively lower the minimum wage for 18 and 19 year olds.
The proposal, approved by a senate committee Wednesday, raised the ire of Democrats, who say 18 and 19 year olds are adults.
Sponsors like Senate Republican Margaret O’Brien of Kalamazoo County say it will encourage more employers to hire young people for the first time.
Opponents like Senate Democrat Curtis Hertel of Lansing says 18 and 19 year olds are adults and should be treated as such.
The bill specifically requires employers to pay employees under the age of 20 at least $6.25 per hour for the first 90 days of employment, and the greater of 85% of the regular minimum wage or the Federal minimum wage thereafter.
These changes would represent a net increase in the minimum wage for employees under age 20 during their first 90 days of employment, and a decrease in the minimum wage for employees aged 18 or 19.
Michigan’s minimum wage for adults is currently $8.15 per hour.
The bill now goes to the full senate for consideration.
