Challenges Filed To Oppose Michigan's Minimum Wage and Paid Sick Leave Ballot Measures

Last Friday, two Michigan business groups filed challenges with the Secretary of State in an effort to oppose ballot measures that would raise the state's minimum wage rate and mandate paid sick leave.  At this point, irrespective of these challenges made to the ballot measures, voters in the state appear likely to be able to vote on the matters this November.  (However, the State Elections Bureau is currently conducting a review of the petitions and will present a recommendation later this month on the viability of either ballot measure making it before voters in November).

Minimum Wage Ballot Measure

A hospitality industry group, Michigan Opportunity, is opposing efforts by Michigan One Fair Wage committee to raise the state's minimum wage rate from $9.25/hour up to $12/hour by 2022.  Increased after 2022 would be tied to inflation.  Taking it one step further, this ballot initiative would phase out the tipped minimum wage rate by 2024.

One Fair Wage obtained over 370,000 signatures to get the minimum wage ballot measure before voters in November.  (The Board of State Canvassers in Michigan must certify at least 252,523 signatures for a measure to be placed on the ballot).

Paid Sick Leave Ballot Measure

Small Business for a Better Michigan is the other business group which has joined the fray and is attempting to sideline the paid sick leave proposal.  The proposal, as currently written, would guarantee employees at least one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked.

Time to Care, which supports the paid sick leave measure, obtained more than 380,000 signatures.  (As with the minimum wage ballot measure, the paid sick leave proposal requires at least 252,523 signatures to be placed on the November ballot).

As for the challenges alleged last week, let us take a closer look.  The basis for the opposition centers upon several claims:  The ballot measures sidestep the state's Constitution, improperly capitalized words, and contained fraudulent signatures (to actually get the measures on the ballot).  At this time, it is still far too early to tell if either challenge will keep one or both ballot measures off the November ballot.  This is one to keep a close eye on going forward.

For additional information:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2018/07/16/group-kill-ballot-proposal-minimum-wage-michigan/783726002/