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. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) issued the following statement:
“Other lawmakers and I have long advocated for common-sense policies that would increase economic opportunity for Michiganders. The American Dream only works if people can earn a wage that allows them to support their families and if they can take time off to get better when they are ill. I was so proud to support the minimum wage and earned paid sick time laws that were the result of support from over 400,000 Michigan residents.
“Words can’t fully describe my disappointment that these policies were gutted by Governor Snyder on his way out the door. My heart breaks for the families who deserve better – they deserve the laws that were set to become law and that overwhelming majorities of Michiganders support. We will work hard to restore the earned paid sick time law and minimum wage increase next term and do everything in our power to build greater opportunities for Michigan families.”
###