ELECTIONS, POLITICS, & GOVERNMENT

Utah lawmaker wants to raise the minimum wage based on age

Feb 6, 2024, 2:00 PM

A sign reading “Now hiring” is on the window of Vessel Kitchen, utah minimum wage is at center ...

The amount of jobs in Utah has increased by more than 40,000 since August 2023. That's an increase of 2.3%. A sign reading “Now hiring” is on the window of Vessel Kitchen in Salt Lake City on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. (Megan Nielsen/Deseret News)

(Megan Nielsen/Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY — A new bill seeks to boost workers’ minimum earnings based on their age.

The bill‘s sponsor, State Rep. Brett Garner, D-West Valley, told Utah’s Morning News that minors would make $10 an hour under the proposed law.

“And then it has some steps until when you reach age 23, you get paid $19 an hour,” Garner said.

The bill would also strike down a Utah rule allowing employers to pay minors less than adults.

Utah mandates a base pay of $7.25 for all workers. However, during the first 90 days of work for a minor, the current minimum pay is $4.25 per hour.

Garner said the reason for his minimum-wage strategy is based off age is to give workers more buying power as they get older.

“When you’re younger,” said Garner, “you don’t have as many expenses, and you’re getting started learning how to work in a job. But when you’re older, and when you’re starting to get to age 23 […] we want people to be independent, to be able to afford their own housing.”

The representative said his approach differs from other lawmakers, who he claims focus only on keeping home prices down.

Garner is also proposing that Utah’s Division of Labor add 25 cents to each minimum wage tier annually.

Twenty-seven other states raised their wages last year, according to Deseret News.

The last time that Utah’s legislature increased the minimum wage was in 2008 when it rose from $6.55 to $7.25 per hour.

Garner’s bill has not yet gone before a state House committee.

More happening on Utah’s Capitol Hill:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Elections, Politics, & Government

Utah flag flying in the wind. A Utah bill known as SB204 could make it harder for judges to block c...

Adam Small

Utah bill could make it harder for judges to block laws that appear unconstitutional

A bill known as SB204 could make it harder for a judge to block laws that appear unconstitutional.

14 hours ago

With President Donald Trump moving to abolish the Department of Education, how will it affect Utah'...

Devin Oldroyd

How would education in Utah be affected if Department of Education is abolished?

With President Donald Trump moving to abolish the Department of Education, how will it affect Utah's public and higher education systems?

19 hours ago

Kaysville City officials confirmed that the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District had added water ...

Simone Seikaly

Kaysville City tells residents why water smells like chlorine

Weber officials recently added water from groundwater wells, which, because of extra processing, created the chlorine smell.

1 day ago

Jail overcrowding is addressed by one of the bills before lawmakers on Utah’s Capitol Hill right ...

Don Brinkerhoff

Legislation would prevent some jail releases due to overcrowding

A new bill would prevent some inmates from being released, without first seeing a judge, due to jail overcrowding.

1 day ago

A Legacy license plate is pictured in Murray on Dec. 6, 2023. From changes to license plate require...

Adam Small

New bill regarding specialty license plates could cost Utah Historical Society millions in future revenue

The Utah Historical Society could potentially miss out on millions of dollars under a bill focusing on specialty license plates.

2 days ago

utah capitol. A local representative wants Utahns to know more about how their government works bef...

Michael Houck

Lawmaker wants to add American citizenship course to Utah schools

HB381 would require students to pass a course in American constitutional government and citizenship before receiving their high school diploma.

2 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Utah lawmaker wants to raise the minimum wage based on age