Representative: Opinion needed to end political gamesmanship

State Rep. Triston Cole today called on the Michigan Supreme Court to weigh in regarding the constitutionality of two laws enacted in December 2018.

Cole, of Mancelona, said the action taken by the Legislature last year to adopt and later amend the ballot issues on minimum wage and paid time off was the right thing to do for Michigan workers and voters, and perfectly in line with the Legislature’s role.

“Democratic leaders and the attorney general are raising questions about the bills we passed in an attempt to raise doubt about a cut-and-dried legal issue. They’re trying to pick a fight and create false doubts for political reasons,” Cole said. “By asking the Supreme Court to weigh in, we will be able to put these concerns to rest and eliminate any potential confusion on the issue once and for all.”

Cole said the original ballot initiatives on minimum wage and paid leave were written by out-of-state interest groups, and the Legislature had a duty to step in and protect Michigan workers.

“The ballot issues brought to the Legislature last year were poorly written and needed work. They had sloppy language and technical mistakes that needed to be fixed, so the Legislature stepped up and did its job to fix them,” Cole said. “It was the right thing to do, and I have no doubt it was legal. But the new administration and the AG have decided to make it about politics. I am asking the Michigan Supreme Court to provide an opinion so we can stop the gamesmanship and avoid wasting taxpayer dollars on an expensive legal fight.”

House Resolution 25 has been referred to the House Government Operations Committee for consideration.

###