Canvassers approve 100‑word summary for referendum seeking repeal of Public Act 1 (wage law)

The Michigan Board of State Canvassers approved a 100‑word summary to support circulation of a referendum petition sponsored by a group calling itself "Voters to Stop Pay Cuts." The petition seeks repeal of Public Act 1 of 2025, the Legislature’s recent amendment to Michigan wage law.

Staff and the petition attorney debated how much detail to include about the law’s changes. The deputy director’s draft summarized the Act’s schedule of minimum wage increases and the new tipped‑worker percentages; proponents argued for a concise, impartial summary and asked that the summary state what the Act does and that a repeal would place the Act before voters. Opponents and some board members argued for even more context, including the Supreme Court’s prior decision and the wage levels that would return if the Act were suspended.

After discussion and a short redraft, the board adopted a summary that lists the Act’s changes to non‑tipped minimum wages (dollar steps) and the percentage schedule for tipped workers, notes the Act provides civil fines for employers who fail to pay the minimum hourly wage, and states that the referendum would suspend enactment of Public Act 1 and place the question on the ballot for voter approval or rejection. The board approved the petition’s form as submitted and authorized circulation under the approved summary.

The petition sponsor and opponents each reserved the right to raise legal challenges later; the board’s record includes a public comment objecting to use of a deputy director while the director is on leave. The board’s approval permits the committee to begin signature gathering under the approved summary.

Votes and next steps: The board voted to approve the summary and the petition form; staff will accept signature submissions under the standard statutory timetable.