News Release: Michigan Catholic Conference Applauds Minimum Wage Increase

(LANSING)—Michigan Catholic Conference Vice President for Public Policy Paul A. Long made the following statement regarding the enactment of legislation to increase Michigan’s minimum wage:

“Increasing the state’s minimum wage is an affirmation of the dignity of work and the basic rights of workers. The Michigan Catholic Conference applauds those members of the legislature who voted for the increase as well as the administration for signing the bill into law. By increasing the state’s minimum wage, the Conference believes that more low-income workers will be able to improve their quality of life and provide their families with the necessary means to live in dignity.”

According to legislation signed into law today, the state’s current minimum hourly wage of $5.15 will be increased on October 1, 2006 to $6.95 per hour; that wage will then be increased on July 1, 2007 to $7.15 per hour; finally, on July 1, 2008 Michigan’s minimum hourly wage will be set at $7.40.

Michigan Catholic Conference is the official public policy voice of the Catholic Church in this state.

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