08/30/2006
CONTACT: Charlie Owens, (517) 485-3409
National Federation of Independent Business Applauds Move to Restore Exemptions and Establish Youth Wage
LANSING, Mich. -- With an Oct. 1 effective date looming on the horizon, the State Senate and House moved today to make important changes to Michigan's minimum wage Law.
The Senate passed legislation restoring the overtime exemptions that were put in jeopardy by the scheduled Oct. 1 increase in the Michigan minimum wage. Legislation was also passed to establish a youth minimum wage of 85 percent of the state minimum wage for workers under the age of 18. The House is expected to act on the legislation next week. The minimum wage is scheduled to increase to $6.95 by Oct. 1; to $7.15 by July 1, 2007; and $7.40 by July 1, 2008.
"These changes will help many small businesses that cannot afford to employ young workers at the higher minimum wage levels set to go into effect October 1," said NFIB/Michigan State Director Chares Owens. "In addition, the restoration of overtime exemptions for commissioned salespeople, nurses, truck drivers and others will keep Michigan competitive with other states."
The legislation passed unanimously with support from both parties. "Both Democrats and Republicans came together to save jobs and help small business and this is a great start to getting Michigan's economy back on track," said Owens.
