March 4, 2024
Nyasha Smith, Secretary
Council of the District of Columbia
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20004
Dear Secretary Smith,
Today, we are introducing the Pay Our Youth a Fair Summer Wage Amendment Act of 2024.
Please find enclosed a signed copy of the legislation.
The District of Columbia Summer Youth Employment Program has been instrumental in
providing invaluable opportunities for our youth to gain essential skills and work experience, and
this is the 45th year of the program. Recently actor Jeffrey Wright, a Tony award winner and
Oscar nominee, praised the Summer Youth Employment program for giving him his first job at
the Anacostia pool and acknowledged that his participation opened up many possibilities for him
that summer.
In recognition of the program's success and its positive impact on the lives of countless young
individuals as well as the rising minimum wage and cost of living in the District of Columbia,
this legislation aims to provide fair and equitable compensation for our young people’s
contributions to the workforce. What is more, given the numerous tempting options for young
people to engage in illegal behavior with the promise of financial gain, it is imperative that the
District continue to provide positive outlets for our young people that are attractive, competitive,
and accessible.
The legislation:
• Raises the pay for youth ages 14-15 from $6.25 to $10.00 per hour. This adjustment
acknowledges the increased cost of living and aims to provide a substantial financial
reward for their dedication and hard work.
• Raises the pay for youth above 16 years old to the minimum wage (currently $17.00 per
hour) to incentivize older youth to actively participate in the SYEP program.
This legislation aligns with our goals to foster a sense of financial responsibility and
independence. We are committed to investing in the future of our youth.
Please contact Kendra Wiley at kwiley@dccouncil.gov or Kevin Chavous at
kchavous@dccouncil.gov if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Zachary Parker Anita Bonds
Ward 5 Councilmember At-Large Councilmember
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2 ______________________________ ______________________________
3 Councilmember Anita Bonds Councilmember Zachary Parker
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8 A BILL
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10 ________
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13 IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
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17 To amend the Youth Employment Act of 1979, to raise the wages of participants of the Marion
18 Barry Summer Youth Employment Program.
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20 BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
21 act may be cited as the “Pay Our Youth a Fair Summer Wage Amendment Act of 2024”.
22 Sec. 2. Section 2a(a) of The Youth Employment Act of 1979, effective January 5, 1980
23 (D.C. Law 3-46; D.C. Official Code § 32-242(a)(1)(A)) is amended as follows:
24 (a) Sub-subparagraph 2a(a)(1)(A)(ii) is amended by striking the amount “$6.25” and
25 inserting $10.00;
26 (b) Strike Sub-subparagraph 2a(a)(1)(A)(iii);
27 (c) Sub-subparagraph 2a(a)(1)(A)(iv) is amended by striking the phrase “Youth 22
28 through 24 years of age” and inserting the phrase “Youth 16 through 24 years of age”.
29 Sec. 3. Fiscal impact statement.
30 The Council adopts the fiscal impact statement of the Budget Director as the fiscal impact
31 statement required by section 4a of the General Legislative Procedures Act of 1975, approved
32 October 16, 2006 (120 Stat. 2038; D.C. Official Code § 1-301.47a).
33 Sec. 4. Effective date.
34 This act shall take effect following approval by the Mayor (or in the event of veto by the
35 Mayor, action by the Council to override the veto), a 30-day period of Congressional review as
36 provided in section 602(c)(1) of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, approved December
37 24, 1973 (87 Stat. 813: D.C. Official Code § 1-206.02(c)(1)), and publication in the District of
38 Columbia Register.