Whitmer signs bipartisan laws on Michigan minimum wage, paid sick leave

In a last-minute legislative move, Michigan lawmakers passed two bills aimed at adjusting the state's minimum wage and sick leave policies, signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The new law increments the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2027 while allowing a tip credit for tipped workers, addressing concerns from business owners. Whitmer emphasized the bipartisan nature of the bills, which aim to support both workers and small businesses. However, advocates such as One Fair Wage criticized the compromise, claiming it undermines the will of the people and plan to initiate a referendum to overturn the new laws. The changes come following a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated previous legislative actions regarding the minimum wage. As a result, the minimum wage increases from $10.56 to $12.48 per hour, with further adjustments based on inflation after 2027.