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Michigan Supreme Court Reinstates 2018 Wage And Sick Leave Laws, Dramatically Affecting Employers And Workers

In a groundbreaking decision the Michigan Supreme Court has nullified the Legislature’s “Adopt-and-Amend” approach, reinstating the 2018 citizens’ initiative for paid sick leave and minimum wage reforms. 

Beginning February 21st, 2025, Michigan employers must adhere to the Earned Sick Time Act, which grants one hour of paid medical leave for every 30 hours worked, for up to a total of 72 hours annually. This comprehensive paid sick leave policy will apply to all employees, including part-time and seasonal workers.

Additionally, Michigan’s minimum wage will rise to $10 per hour, with annual adjustments based on the state treasurer’s inflation rate. 

The Wage Act will see gradual increases in the minimum wage over the coming years, with adjustments scheduled for February 2026, 2027, 2028, and beyond, ultimately eliminating the tip credit by February 2029.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Leaving Pets In Parked Cars During Summer Months Can Be Deadly

With the increase of summer temperatures, pet owners are urged never to leave pets in parked cars, even briefly or with the air conditioner running. On an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a car can soar to 102 degrees in just 10 minutes, reaching 120 degrees within 30 minutes. Such conditions can cause irreversible organ damage or death, according to humanesociety.org.

Additional Precautions to Protect Pets in Hot Weather:

  • Limit Exercise: Exercise pets during early morning or evening hours. Avoid hot pavement that can burn paws.
  • Provide Shade and Water: Ensure pets have access to shade and plenty of fresh, cool water. Add ice to water during heat waves.
  • Avoid Fans: Fans are less effective for cooling pets than humans, as dogs sweat primarily through their paws.
  • Cooling Products: Use cooling wraps, vests, or mats, and consider offering cooling baths if pets are comfortable with water.
  • Watch for Heatstroke: Look for signs like heavy panting, lethargy, and vomiting. Move pets to a cool area and seek veterinary care if symptoms occur.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel Opposes DTE Electric’s $456M Rate Hike, Proposes Lower Increase

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has challenged DTE Electric’s (DTE) latest proposal for a $456.4 million annual rate hike, arguing that the increase is excessive and not justified. The request, filed with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) in March, follows a recent $368 million rate increase granted to DTE, which would result in a 10% rise in residential electricity bills.

In her testimony, Nessel recommended a more modest $139.5 million increase, which would limit residential rate hikes to approximately 2.5%. She also called for a reallocation of customer funds towards cost-effective vegetation management and tree trimming, rather than DTE’s more expensive infrastructure projects.

Nessel’s intervention in utility cases has saved Michigan consumers more than $3 billion since she took office, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to keeping energy costs affordable. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Gordie Howe International Bridge Deck Complete, Celebrates New Border Crossing

The Honourable Sean Fraser, Canada’s Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer celebrated the latest milestone in the Gordie Howe International Bridge construction: the completion of the bridge deck connecting Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan. Joined by U.S. Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt, the Mayor of Windsor, and senior officials, the celebration marked the bridge becoming an official border crossing.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge, at 853 meters (0.53 miles), is the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America and the tenth longest worldwide. This new crossing, the first between Ontario and Michigan in over 60 years, enhances the Windsor-Detroit trade corridor. “The bridge is a symbol of Michigan-Canada friendship and effective collaboration, boosting our economies and facilitating commerce and commuting,” said Governor Whitmer.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Secures SBA HUBZone Support For 28 Counties, Boosting Small Business Growth

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that Michigan has secured continued Small Business Administration (SBA) support for 28 counties and census tracts through the SBA’s HUBZone program. This initiative aims to fuel small business growth in historically underutilized zones by awarding 3% of federal contract dollars to HUBZone businesses annually.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Michigan’s economy,” said Governor Whitmer. “The SBA’s HUBZone program will continue to support communities by connecting small business owners to federal contract dollars, creating high-skilled, good-paying jobs right here at home.”

Over the last five years, Michigan’s economic programs have helped companies in these zones announce projects expected to create over 1,800 new jobs and more than $3.5 billion in planned private investment.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Gov Gretchen Whitmer

Governor Whitmer Signs Three Bills To Boost Wages, Revitalize Communities

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed three pivotal bills this week aimed at raising wages for clean energy workers, reducing costs for local governments to repair damaged properties, and cutting red tape to eliminate blight.

“Michiganders across the state deserve competitive wages to help them get ahead and safe neighborhoods to return home to at the end of the day,” said Whitmer.

Senate Bill 571 ensures higher pay for those working on renewable energy projects, fostering a more competitive and equitable state contracting process. House Bill 4331 gives local governments more financial flexibility to fix damaged properties, while House Bill 4332 incentivizes timely correction of blight violations.

“These commonsense bills put more money in the pockets of hardworking Michiganders and make our communities better places to live, work, and invest,” Whitmer added.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell