Reduction in Minimum Wage Based on Physical or Mental Disabilities

PURPOSE: This rule authorizes a reduction in the hourly wage rate for persons employed in St. Louis County through the Summer Work Experience Program operated by Jobs, Employment, and Supported Services due to physical or mental disabilities that curtail their job opportunities. Following consideration of evidence presented at a public hearing, the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations authorizes payment to persons employed in St. Louis County through the Summer Work Experience Program (SWEP), operated by Jobs, Employment, and Supported Services, of hourly wages of ninety cents ($0.90) per hour less than the wage rate applicable under Missouri’s Minimum Wage Law, sections 290.500 to 290.530, RSMo. This authorization is based upon the physical or mental disabilities of the individuals employed through SWEP in St. Louis County that have resulted in their impaired earning capacity and curtailed employment opportunities, as established by unchallenged evidence presented at the hearing. The reduction established in this regulation is made with due regard to the department’s duty to safeguard the wage rate applicable under Missouri’s Minimum Wage Law. AUTHORITY: section 290.515, RSMo 2016.* Emergency rule filed June 1, 2009, effective June 11, 2009, expired Dec. 7, 2009. Original rule filed June 1, 2009, effective Nov. 30, 2009. Amended: Filed June 19, 2018, effective Jan. 30, 2019. *Original authority: 290.515, RSMo 1990, amended 2006.