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An increase to the state’s minimum wage and guaranteed paid sick leave for all workers is on its way.
The One Fair Wage and MI Time to Care citizen ballot initiatives passed the House and Senate Wednesday in Lansing.
Because the proposals passed both chambers, the measures will not appear on the November ballot and do not require the Governor’s signature to become law.
State Representative Scott Dianda voted in favor of the proposals saying, “I’m all for a bigger paycheck and earned paid sick leave, because workers shouldn’t have to struggle to pay their bills, or fear for their jobs if they or a family member are sick. I voted yes today in support of the working families who have been waiting patiently to see their share of prosperity and bigger paychecks.”
Under the proposals, Michigan’s minimum wage will be gradually increased to $12 an hour and include tipped workers.
Employers will also be mandated to grant workers one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked.
The laws go into effect in March but the legislature could amend them by the end of the year.
Dianda said, “Should Republican leadership attempt to walk back from back from that commitment later on this year, I will fight to preserve the integrity of the bill and the will of the voters who signed the initiative.”
