7/14/06-State lawmakers have pulled back a bill from going to Gov. Jennifer Granholm that would prevent some truck drivers and several other classifications in the state’s work force from becoming eligible for overtime pay this fall.
Legislators haven’t had a change of heart about the issue. They simply want to try again to get the bill to take immediate effect if the governor chooses to sign it.
The Republican-led Senate passed the bill 21-16 in June along party lines. House lawmakers followed suit in a 58-49 party line vote. However, the majorities weren’t enough for the bill to take effect as soon as it’s signed into law.
As a result, workers would still get the overtime for about seven months until the revised rule could take effect in March 2007.
The effort is in reaction to the Legislature’s decision in March to boost Michigan’s minimum wage above the federal standard. The decision means that many employers who had been exempt from paying overtime because the state’s minimum wage did not exceed the federal standard must now begin paying those wages.
The state minimum wage is scheduled to increase from $5.15 an hour to $6.95 on Oct. 1.
When the new rate is implemented, 12 classes of workers – including truck drivers who receive mileage-based compensation – are slated to go to hourly rates and overtime when their workweek exceeds 40 hours.
Sponsored by Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, HB6213 would retain the federal exemptions for many jobs including truckers, nurses, police officers, firefighters and retail salespeople.
For bill status, call (517) 373-0630.

6/28/06-State lawmakers approved a bill that would prevent truck drivers and several other classifications in the work force from becoming eligible for overtime pay.
The Senate passed the bill 21-16 along party lines. House lawmakers followed suit in a 58-49 party line vote to send the bill to Gov. Jennifer Granholm.
The effort is in reaction to the Legislature’s decision in March to boost Michigan’s minimum wage above the federal standard. The decision means that many employers who had been exempt from paying overtime because the state’s minimum wage did not exceed the federal standard must now begin paying those wages.
The state minimum wage is scheduled to increase from $5.15 an hour to $6.95 on Oct. 1.
When the new rate is implemented, 12 classes of workers – including truck drivers who receive mileage-based compensation – are slated to go to hourly rates and overtime when their workweek exceeds 40 hours.
Sponsored by Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, HB6213 would retain the federal exemptions for many jobs including truckers, nurses, police officers, firefighters and retail salespeople.
If signed into law, workers would still get the overtime for about seven months until the revised rule could take effect in March 2007.
For bill status, call (517) 373-0630.