PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) —  An attempt to raise the state minimum wage over three years to $15 an hour failed in a Senate committee this Thursday.

The Senate Commerce and Energy Committee sent SB132 to the 41st legislative day on an 8 to 1 vote.

The bill’s sponsor, Democratic Sen. Reynold Nesiba of Sioux Falls.

The bill would have ramped up the $15 an hour wage in steps–$12.50 in 2024, $13.50 in 2025, and $15 in 2026.

Bill supporter Sister Lynn Marie Welbig with the Presentation Sisters.

The Noem administration opposed the measure.  Derek Johnson with the Bureau of Finance and Management.

Numerous business groups also opposed the bill.

Opponent Nathan Sanderson with the South Dakota Retailers Association.

The vote to kill the bill was along party lines.