Michigan Court Reinstates Wage, Sick Leave Laws

The Michigan Supreme Court ruled 4-3 that the Republican-led state legislature's 'adopt and amend' strategy, used to alter 2018 ballot initiatives on minimum wage and earned sick leave, was unconstitutional. This decision reinstates the original laws, leading to a gradual increase in the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2028 and the elimination of the lower wage for tipped workers by 2029. The ruling also mandates broader sick leave provisions for all businesses. The court's decision was hailed by worker advocacy groups but criticized by business organizations concerned about increased costs and operational impacts. The ruling is seen as a significant affirmation of direct democracy and the people's right to propose and enact laws through ballot initiatives.