LANSING, MI (AP)-- Organizers of a ballot initiative that would raise Michigan's minimum wage to $12 an hour say they will sue if the Republican-led Legislature adopts the proposal but then weakens it later in the year.
One Fair Wage lawyer Mark Brewer said Tuesday at a Capitol news conference that the move would be unconstitutional. He says lawmakers can only adopt the measure — making it law — or reject it, in which case it would go on the November ballot. Legislators also could propose an alternative to appear on the ballot alongside the proposal.
The Legislature returns Wednesday from a summer break. Republicans are expected to discuss using the unprecedented strategy for both the minimum wage initiative and a separate citizens' initiative that would require employers to provide paid sick leave.
