Council lays over first reading to eliminate 90‑day youth minimum wage exception

The council held a first reading on an ordinance that would eliminate the 90‑day youth minimum wage exception in Saint Paul’s minimum wage ordinance. Stephanie Boehmer, Human Rights and Labor Standards Manager, explained the existing youth carve-outs: a 90‑day youth rate for employees aged 14–17 that pays 85% of the small‑business minimum for the first 90 days after hire, and a training/apprenticeship exception for city‑approved programs covering employees under 20.

Bohemer (Boehmer) explained the city minimum wage rate is currently $16.37 for most employers and that removing the 90‑day exception would raise youth beginning wages up to the regular rates (for micro employers the current micro rate is $14.25; the youth rate is 85% of the small business rate). Council member Johnson asked staff for an estimate of the fiscal impact; Boehmer said staff would provide more detailed financial information. Council member Kim asked about outreach to youth groups; staff described contact with youth-on-boards programs and RightTrack and said they had received generally positive feedback from young people engaged so far.

The council laid the matter over to a public hearing at a future meeting to allow time for budget analysis and additional youth outreach.