Joanne King has mixed feelings about the recent change in the minimum wage law.
‘I hire very few new employees,? said King. ‘But I have several workers who have been with me for a while and have worked their way up to $6.95 per hour after three years. With the change in wages I’ll have to pay new inexperienced workers the same as more experienced workers. The change is fine for older workers, but not here.?
King, owner of the Frosty Boy, 955 Ortonville Road, and other area employers will soon contend in a variety of ways with a legislative plan which raises the minimum wage from $5.15 to $6.95 an hour in October, then to $7.15 an hour in July 2007, and then to $7.40 an hour in July 2008. The first boost in the minimum wage in nine years, was passed by both the House and Senate earlier this month. Gov. Jennifer Granholm has not yet signed the bill into law.
Area lawmakers are split on a recent proposal to boost the minimum wage by 44 percent over the next two years.
State Representative Jim Marleau, (R-46th District) voted yes on the bill raising the minimum wage.
‘It’s important that Michigan families are able to support themselves and a stronger minimum wage helps make that happen,? said Marleau.
In contrast State Representative, David Robertson, (R-51st District) voted no on the bill.
‘I’m concerned it will do harm to the Michigan economy’to the very people it’s suppose to help,? said Robertson.
‘A job provider could now face layoffs due to not enough money, raise prices or just not create new jobs. The bill is short sighted.?
Other area businesses have mixed feelings regarding the change.
The Village of Ortonville hires summer part-time help for mowing and other jobs with the Department of Public Works.
‘They start at about $6.50 per hour and work about 20 hours per week. In the past we give a raise, for the second year,? said Mary Clark, Treasurer/Clerk for the Village of Ortonville. ‘It’s going to cost us more.?
The extra cost is a real concern for Ed Thompson owner of Thompson’s Hardware, 30 South St., Ortonville.
‘The increase in wages has to force the prices to go up,? said Thompson, who typically hires high school students to work at the hardware store. ‘The economy in Michigan is shaky right now anyway. We don’t need this, it’s fine if you want nails to cost $10 each.?