FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-1 PAGE
Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce
Contact: Brandt Coultas, Director of Government Affairs
(734) 214-0101, brandt@annarborchamber.org

ANN ARBOR AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DOES NOT SUPPORT THE NEW MINIMUM WAGE PETITION

JANUARY 19, 2006 -- The Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce opposes the current effort to increase the minimum wage in Michigan.  Petitions are currently being circulated to put the issue on the November 2006 ballot.  Businesses in Michigan face a number of economic constraints and the Chamber does not support making a mandatory minimum wage increase with a guaranteed annual increase part of Michigan’s Constitution. The Chamber believes the free market should continue to determine wages in Michigan. 

“Our businesses are already struggling.  We should not be putting more obstacles in their way as they attempt to survive,” said Sabrina Keeley, President of the Chamber. 

The proposal would raise Michigan’s minimum wage from $5.15/hr. to $6.85/hr on January 1, 2007 and increase the minimum wage every year as the cost of living goes up. If passed, the proposal also puts the minimum wage in the Michigan Constitution where elected officials cannot reduce it or eliminate it.

The Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce is the largest business organization in Washtenaw County. The mission of the Ann Arbor Area Chamber is to support our members by promoting commerce in the greater Ann Arbor area through business advocacy and leadership in economic, political and educational development. Membership means: access to health care; advocacy; benefits & cost savings; connections; and exposure for business. 

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