News & Information
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| For Immediate Release |
Contact: Andy Deloney |
| March 9, 2006 |
517/377-3931 |
Minimum Wage Increase Will Kill Michigan Jobs, But Legislative Approach Protects the Constitution
LANSING, Mich. — The following statement is from Andy Deloney, director, public affairs, Michigan Restaurant Association. Deloney is commenting on today’s vote by the state Senate to raise Michigan’s minimum wage by amending existing state law. Certain organized labor groups are collecting signatures to place a proposed constitutional amendment on the Nov. 7 ballot. The radical amendment would, if approved, guarantee in Michigan’s Constitution automatic annual pay raises to select Michigan workers.
“The evidence proves that raising the minimum wage will kill Michigan jobs at a time when the state can ill afford to lose more jobs. However, if it’s going to be raised, it should be the Legislature and governor that does it. The wrong way is through a constitutional amendment. Michigan’s Constitution was never intended to guarantee automatic annual pay raises to a select group of people, not to minimum wage workers, not to lawyers, or teachers, or lobbyists, or politicians. Making the constitution a vessel for automatic annual pay raises is radical, wrong and an assault on the state’s most sacred legal document and job providers.”
Founded in 1921, the Michigan Restaurant Association represents more than 4,500 Michigan foodservice establishments. The foodservice industry plays an integral role in Michigan’s economy, employing more than 436,000 people and creating more than $11.3 billion in total annual sales. For more information, call (517) 482-5244.
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