Two measures that were headed to the November ballot are now law. The state Legislature voted to increase the state’s minimum wage and allow employees to get earned sick time. However, the laws do not take immediate effect. Some supporters of the proposals are now concerned about what the Legislature will do next.
Because the Legislature passed the measures instead of the voters – it can make changes to the laws with a simple majority. But if the voters had passed the measures, the Legislature would have needed a three-fourths majority for any amendments.
So now some supporters of the proposals are worried the Republican-led Legislature will gut the laws. But Speaker of the House Tom Leonardsays that’s not true.
“Right now, no plan has been put in place. We wanted to make certain that the Legislature will continue to have a say in this process.”
There are still some proposals for voters in November. So far, a measure to change how the state draws its district lines and a measure to legalize marijuana are on the ballot.
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—Cheyna Roth is a reporter for the Michigan Public Radio network. Contact WEMU News at734.487.3363 or email us at studio@wemu.org