|
“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).
|
