Legislature Approves Citizen’s Initiatives

Liz Gullett

Sep 07, 2018

On Wednesday, the House and Senate voted to approve two citizens’ initiatives effecting Michigan workers and businesses. “Both are now state law because a citizen initiative requires the approval of a majority of legislators elected and serving, or the approval of a majority of Michigan residents if it is on the ballot. It does not need the Governor’s approval,” explained Cami Pendell of MLC. explained Cami Pendell of MLC. Due to the approval by the legislature, neither proposal will be on the ballot this November.

The two approved initiatives are:

Earned Sick Time – This petition seeks to create the Earned Sick Time Act, which would provide workers with the right to earn sick time that could be used for a variety of reasons.
Minimum Wage Increase – This proposal seeks to increase the minimum wage to $10/hour on January 1, 2019; $10.65/hour on January 1, 2020; $11.35/hour on January 1, 2021; and $12/hour on January 1, 2022.

The chambers did not give immediate effect, thus, barring any changes, they will go into effect in late March – specifically 90-days after the legislature adjourns at the end of the year. By the legislature voting to adopt both they will only need a majority in order to amend the laws. However, had Michigan voters voted to approve them at the ballot then the legislature would have needed a 2/3’s vote to make any amendments.

While there has been ongoing discussion as to whether or not the legislature will vote to amend either law this year, House and Senate Republican leaders have not publicly stated their intentions.

Michigan Legislative Consultants is a bipartisan lobbying firm based in Lansing, Michigan. Our team of lobbyists and procurement specialists provide a wide range of services for some of the most respected companies in America. For more on MLC, visit www.mlcmi.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.