LANSING — Today, the House of Representatives voted on the One Fair Wage and MI Time to Care citizen ballot initiatives, referendums designed to give voters, not politicians a voice in ensuring an increased minimum wage and guaranteed paid sick leave. 

The proposals passed and, in response, state Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo (D-Detroit) issued the following statement:

“The referendum process is an incredible opportunity for everyday citizens to make their voices heard, and that is why it is disappointing to see that the work of dedicated community activists who did everything necessary to get this issue on the ballot, and now we will see that work squandered by the bait-and-switch vote taken away today with an agenda to amend during lame duck!

“I take great pride in my experience as a community organizer, working directly with groups like AFSCME Council 25, and UAW Region 1A, to address draconian emergency manager laws via referendum, to only be met with opposition and trick to override the will of the people.  I am sorely disappointed that once again Republicans took away the opportunity for citizens voices to be heard at the ballot box today.

“My no votes today were a rejection of these tactics to circumvent the democratic process, a stand against Republicans gutting the spirit of these referendums, and a stand for the voice of the people.”

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