Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today signed legislation that will give hundreds
of thousands of workers in Michigan a pay raise. Senate Bill 318 increases
the state’s minimum wage from $5.15 per hour to $7.40 per hour over the
next two years. The minimum wage has not been increased since 1997.
“Today is a celebration for working men and women across Michigan,”
Granholm said. “This is a simple matter of fairness – anyone
who puts in a fair day’s work should receive a fair day’s pay.
Increasing the minimum wage for the first time in nine years is a critical step
to ensuring that every worker receives a fair day’s pay.”
In her 2006 State of the State Address, Granholm pledged that workers would
get the pay increase this year one way or another. The Governor said she
is pleased that the Republican-led Legislature responded to the overwhelming
public reaction to efforts to place this issue on the November ballot and did
the right thing by approving the increase.
“The working men and women who circulated petitions and contacted their
legislators should be proud that their efforts were instrumental in convincing
legislative leadership to do the right thing,” said Granholm.
The legislation signed by the Governor, will increase the minimum wage in three steps. On October 1, 2006, it will increase to $6.95; then to $7.15 on July 1, 2007; and finally to $7.40 on July 1, 2008. With today’s signing, Michigan joins more than 15 other states that have increased their minimum wage over federal standards.
Senate Bill 318 was sponsored by Senator Ray Basham (D-Taylor).
Printer Friendly
Text Version
Twitter
Facebook
Yahoo
Google
Digg
reddit
Newsvine
StumbleUpon
Bookmark
Email Page