LANSING— On Tuesday, May 27, Gov. Rick Snyder signed bipartisan legislation that raises Michigan’s minimum wage to $9.25 an hour by 2018, a move he said will help hard-working residents without hindering the state’s improving economy.

Senate Bill 934 increases the minimum wage from $7.40 an hour to $9.25 over the next four years and would be adjusted to the rate of inflation or 3.5 percent, whichever is lower, starting in 2019. Tipped employees would have a rate that is 38 percent of the minimum, or about $3.51 an hour.

“I commend my partners in the legislature for finding common ground on a bill that will help Michigan workers and protect our state’s growing economy,” Snyder said. “Michigan is the comeback state and our goal always should be long-term success for our residents and our state as a whole.”

Snyder said the bill represents a compromise and responsibly raises the wage. The number of jobs filled in Michigan has increased steadily since the start of 2011, with more than a quarter-million new private sector positions created. The state’s unemployment rate has dropped to 7.4 percent, its lowest rate since 2008.

Michigan United, an immigrants advocacy group, says the move is a result of the community organizing to get the legislation passed. Michigan United contributed 43,000 signatures to the ballot initiative campaign. 

“We marched, we rallied and Lansing wouldn’t listen to us, so we got out our clipboards,” said fast food worker and Michigan United member Sam Johnson. 

“It’s not everything we wanted, but this victory shows that when ordinary people take action together, we can force even the most powerful politicians to listen to us and help our families.”