Granholm Increases Minimum Wage

LANSING (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm is raising the state minimum wage from $6.95 to $7.15 an hour starting Sunday.

The Governor reminded Michigan citizens on her weekly radio address yesterday. This is a result of the three part legislation Granholm signed into law last year.

The first part increased minimum wage from $5.15 and hour to $6.95 an hour. The minimum wage had not been increased since 1997. It will rise once again to $7.40 an hour on July 1, 2008, the third and final increase mandated by the new law. The increase will result in a raise for more than 500,000 Michigan workers.

"What a great step forward for Michigan's families," Granholm said. "This increase will put a little more money in the pockets of Michigan citizens who are working hard every day to pay for rent, to fill up their gas tanks, and to put food on the table for their kids."

Granholm feels that rising wages can stimulate economic activity throughout the state. Also that the increase of minimum wage is just one aspect of her comprehensive plan to diversify and grow Michigan's economy.

"In these tough economic times, we need to make smart decisions for Michigan's future," Granholm said. "Our plan is smart, it is comprehensive, and we are seeing positive signs across the state as new companies choose Michigan as the place to grow and create jobs."

For more information about the increase, or other provisions of the minimum wage and overtime law, click on our links section.