Will Michigan Republicans Gut New Minimum Wage Law in Lame Duck?
What changes may be in store for Michigan’s new minimum wage increase?
Last week the state Legislature approved two voter-led measures that would increase the minimum wage and require employers to pay employees during sick leave. The measures were intended to go on the November ballot, but legislators are allowed to take up and vote on petition initiatives ahead of an election.
The new law gradually raises Michigan’s minimum wage over the next few years to $12/hour and eliminates the lower minimum wage for tipped workers. Republican leadership in the Legislature is expected to attempt to amend the law this fall, though its unclear what changes they would pursue.
State Sen. Phil Pavlov (R-St. Clair) says one of his priorities is keeping the separate and lower minimum wage for tipped workers. When asked on Detroit Today whether he expects lawmakers to go back and cut the $12 minimum wage, he said, “I can’t comment on that.”
But Pavlov says lawmakers are considering the types of changes that could be made, and its within the purview of the Legislature.
“We have a legislature that’s been duly elected by the state of Michigan… this falls squarely into our role and responsibility,” says Pavlov.
To hear more from Pavlov on Detroit Today, click on the audio player above.
