LANSING (WKZO AM/FM) –The State Board of Canvassers has voted to allow a petition initiative that would require that employers offer paid sick leave to employees, but they deadlocked on an initiative that would increase the minimum wage to $12/hour.
The two republican members argued that it sought to amend or revise existing minimum wage law by reference only.
The Secretary of State says the group had met their signature requirement and had recommended approval.
It would have hiked the minimum pay rate gradually to $12 by 2022, and increased it after that annually based on the inflation rate.
The group behind the petitions, “One Fair Wage” says it will challenge the vote in court.
The Board of Canvassers late on Friday also voted 3 to 1 to put a measure requiring employers to provide sick-pay, and to let it accrue through a specific formula, on the ballot.
Opponents say they may challenge it in court, or urge the legislature to approve it, so it can be modified later with a simple majority vote.
