It was a monumental political year in Michigan, with the return of a divided state government and the return of President Donald Trump. These are the stories that defined the year, from the Michigan Capitol to the White House.
Michigan minimum wage
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan’s minimum wage is going up in 2026. Here’s why
Michigan’s minimum and sub-minimum wages will increase on Jan. 1, 2026. Not everyone is happy about that.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan lawmakers overhaul paid leave, wage laws in last-minute deal
With less than an hour before paid sick leave and wage increase were set to take effect, Michigan lawmakers took final votes on a bipartisan deal to change them.
Posted inMichigan Government
With ‘emergency deadline’ near, Michigan House approves tipped wage deal
Plan to scale back tipped wage increase is heading to Gov. Whitmer, but ‘chaos is coming’ without deal on paid sick leave by Friday, says GOP leader.
Posted inMichigan Government
Whitmer: Delay Michigan wage, paid leave laws if no deal on changes
As Michigan lawmakers fight over sick leave and wage changes, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proposes delaying implementation until July.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan House, Senate at odds as minimum wage and sick leave laws loom
Michigan minimum wage and paid sick leave laws take effect Feb. 21 — unless the Legislature changes them first.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Why restaurant owner supports scheduled wage increases, paid sick time
Suppressing worker wages strikes me as shortsighted. I know firsthand the benefits of fairly compensating my staff.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Legislature must act to preserve tip credit, save hospitality jobs
The Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association estimates that one in every five restaurants would close, and 50,000 jobs — 67% of this workforce — could be lost.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Support HB 4001, 4002 to protect small businesses and their employees
Michigan’s small businesses are under threat. The Earned Sick Time Act puts thousands of them at risk of scaling back or even shutting down.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan wage and sick day rules: 5 things to know about proposed changes
Michigan lawmakers aim to change minimum wage and sick leave laws before they take effect next month. Here’s how.