The Michigan Legislature moved through a grab bag of proposals Wednesday, likely the last voting we’ll see until Election Day.
Advanced legislation includes a revamped dyslexia screening program, an increase in funding for the state’s anti-compulsive gambling program and a ban on discrimination against those breastfeeding their children.
Other proposals moved forward include the reclassification of caregivers as public employees and campaign finance transparency measures.
But some Republicans took issue with the lack of action on Michigan’s tipped wage, which is set to be retired beginning early next year.
Due to a ruling by Michigan’s Supreme Court and a failed legislative scheme to dilute the impact of the policy, the citizen-led ballot initiative originally passed in 2018 will go into effect next year, barring changes from the legislature.
“This is a big deal, and it’s going to hurt quite a bit, and we should at least started the conversation,” said Rep. John Roth, (R) 104th District. “What can we agree on to get done before the February 21 enactment date? If we wait until the very end of the year, employers are going to be hurting because they have to make decisions before that time.”
To become law by the enactment date, Michigan lawmakers would need to meet and adjourn for the year by Nov. 23, or secure bipartisan support for any of the changes.
It remains unclear if the Legislature will take up the issue at all.