The likely Democratic candidate for governor in 2014 says raising Michigan’s minimum wage would be one of his top priorities in office.
As The Michigan Public Radio Network’s Jake Neher reports, former Congressman Mark Schauer wants to increase the minimum wage to $9.25 an hour.
Right now, the state minimum wage is $7.40 an hour. The last time Michigan raised it was in 2008.
Schauer’s plan would also allow the minimum wage to rise automatically with inflation. He says it would be a much-needed boost for low-income residents, as well as Michigan businesses.
“Having more money in your pocket creates demand, which helps businesses that, by the way, hire Michigan people to work,” he says.
Schauer would phase in the increase over three years.
Governor Rick Snyder says raising the state’s minimum wage has not been a “significant issue” in Lansing because the state is “already above the federal minimum” of $7.25 an hour.