Rep. Julie Alexander Response to Minimum Wage Increase
Update: 7/26/22
The Jackson Chamber works in partnership with local, state, and federal representatives to keep our Members updated on public policies and stances that affect their businesses. Due to the recent rulings on the Minimum Wage Increase, we asked Representative Julie Alexander to explain the expected appeals process and resources to express concerns. Her response is below.
July 26, 2022
Dear Neighbor,
Thank you for contacting me regarding the state Court of Claims’ recent decision to declare two Michigan laws regarding minimum wage and paid sick leave unconstitutional. I understand many job providers in our community have questions about what this ruling means, and I will continue to closely monitor this issue as the situation unfolds.
In 2018, the state Legislature approved two plans on minimum wage and sick leave that protected Michigan jobs, state workers and their families, and our struggling economy. The issues were brought to light after out-of-state special interests helped bankroll two poorly written petition drives in our state. The Court of Claims recently ruled the Legislature acted unconstitutionally in passing these bills.
First and foremost, it’s important to note the controversial decision is not yet effective. Most civil judgments are automatically postponed for 21 days to give parties time to appeal. The decision was issued on July 19, so Aug. 9 is the first possible but highly unlikely enforcement date. If and when the enforcement date arrives, Michigan law would revert back to language in the original petition drives.
But there is a very good chance the postponement gets extended well past 21 days. An independent team within the Attorney General’s office — whom we support — has already filed a motion asking the court to postpone the ruling throughout the entire appeals process, which could take several years. In case the court denies the team’s motion, the team has also filed a notice of appeal, allowing it to make the same motion quickly in the Court of Appeals if needed.
Even though the laws in question were enacted in 2018, the current Legislature has been actively engaged with this case from the beginning. We intend to participate as much as possible at the Court of Appeals level, as well as at the state Supreme Court. In the meantime, I can assure you we will continue to engage with impacted job providers to ensure your concerns and positions are heard.
Thank you again for contacting my office. I always encourage your feedback on important issues, as that helps me be an effective representative for our community at the state Capitol.
Sincerely,
State Representative Julie Alexander
64th District
