LANSING — Today, Governor Snyder signed into law two Republican proposals to gut citizen-initiated laws to improve economic security for working families. In September, over the objections of Democrats and activists, the Legislature voted to keep the minimum wage increase and guaranteed paid sick leave proposals off the November ballot and give themselves the ability to gut the laws during lame duck. Senate Bills 1171 and 1175, signed into law today, dramatically reduced the strong wage and sick leave benefits that Michigan voters voiced their support for through the ballot initiative process.
In response to today’s bill signing, state Rep. Yousef Rabhi (D-Ann Arbor) issued the following statement:
“In the twilight of his administration, Governor Snyder has robbed Michigan families of their freedom to earn a decent living and care for their loved ones. This subversion of our democracy and flagrant disregard of the Michigan constitution marks the end of 8-years of full Republican control in Lansing during which working men and women in Michigan were under constant attack. This is nothing more than the latest power grab on behalf of corporate interests that will ultimately hurt working people.”