LANSING - Following today’s minimum wage hearing in the Select Committee on Protecting Michigan Employees and Small Businesses, the damages of the Republican-enacted laws to restrict wages are once again being made clear. Since the Republican-led tactic to undermine the wage increases and paid leave in 2018, Michiganders have lost around $7,000 every single year in unearned wages. If Republicans had allowed the minimum wage increase that voters passed to go into effect, the current minimum wage would sit at $14.07 rather than the $10.56 which is currently holding Michiganders back and hurting our economy. 

Now, ahead of the new wage laws that could go into effect, Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party Lavora Barnes released the following statement: 

“The bottom line is that Republicans directly took money from Michiganders when they overrode the will of the people in 2018 and held back minimum wage increases. Thanks to Republicans, working families are losing out on thousands of dollars that could go to mortgage payments, groceries, supporting local businesses, a new car, and home improvements, all taken away by Republicans.

“The upcoming paid leave laws and wage increases that Republicans are slow-walking could put money back in Michiganders’ pockets, allowing them to make the best choices for their families. Just like in 2018, the Republican state House majority is clearly showing that they do not care about Michigan workers - but thankfully, Democrats will continue to stand up for our economy each and every day against their harmful agenda.”