
The Michigan State Supreme Court ruled last month that a 2018 decision by the state Legislature that slowed initiatives to increase the state’s minimum wage and alter paid sick leave was unconstitutional.
While the state hasn’t said what the new levels will be when they go into effect in February – it looks like the minimum wage will go up about $2 an hour — the court’s decision outlined a timetable to get them implemented over the next four years.
The governor said Wednesday her team still is reviewing the July 31 ruling that found a 2018 legislative maneuver used to curb initiatives that increased the minimum wage and broadened paid sick leave laws was unconstitutional.
At a bill-signing event in Van Buren Township, the Detroit News reported that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and her team are “still reviewing” the decision and could ask for some clarification surrounding it.
“It’s recent, and I know there’s a lot of questions,” Whitmer said after a bill signing event in Van Buren Township, according to The News. “Where there is ambiguity, we’re going to have to ask the court to make sure that they give us more information.”
Whitmer called “premature” the idea of possible legislative intervention this fall. Some restaurants and businesses have been pushing for a change this fall, according to The News.
“We’re all examining the court’s decision,” Whitmer said. “We want to make sure we understand what the ramifications are. That work is being done right now. I think it’s premature to say what kind of legislative fix would be necessary, if there is one that’s necessary.”
State officials are seeking guidance from Attorney General Dana Nessel on calculating the inflation-adjusted minimum wage.
In a statement issued Wednesday, Nessel’s office said no such request had been received and declined to comment further.
“Whether or not we received a request for some other form of legal advice from one of our clients on the issue, and what strategic steps, if any, the clients or the attorney general will be taking in this matter are confidential and not questions that I can answer,” Nessel spokesman Danny Wimmer told The News.