Minimum wage increase on the way

Yes, but: An ongoing legal battle could result in a larger 2023 increase than just 23 cents.

Why it matters: Of 30 states with a minimum wage above the $7.25 federal rate, Michigan is one of only six with its own minimum under $10.

Catch up fast: This all started in 2018, when petitioners collected enough signatures to put an increase to $12 on the ballot. But state lawmakers who didn't want that found a way to simultaneously prevent the wage increase from getting on the ballot while drastically slowing the wage increase.

• To head off the ballot measure, lawmakers preemptively approved an increase to $12 — only to amend the legislation and delay that increase to 2030.
• The maneuver was challenged in court as unconstitutional.
• The Court of Claims sided with the challenge in July and voided the weakened wage hike. That ruling is now under appeal.

What's next: If the appeal is unsuccessful, the statewide minimum wage would increase next year to $13.03 ($11.73 for tipped employees).

• The Court of Appeals is scheduled to hear arguments in the case on Dec. 13.