GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Marisa Sandahl is busy working the phones.
Sandahl and other Democrats are upset that Republicans are making changes to voter approved ballot proposals on minimum wage and paid sick time.
"This is a way to circumvent the will of the voters and the will of the people of Michigan," says Sandahl.
Democrats want minimum wage raised to $12 an hour by 2022 but Republicans like State Senator Rick Jones don't want that full increase to happen until 2030. Jones argues the original proposal would hurt Michigan businesses.
"Many restaurants told us they would close or they would lay off employees, they might go to counter service only, you would have to go pick up your food," says Jones.
The new bill aims cut paid sick time from 72 hours per year to 40. Sandahl doesn't buy the argument that businesses will be hurt.
"We can't control what those businesses are going to do but we can make sure that we're taking care of the families, that we're making sure that families are making a living wage and that we're keeping up with inflation at the very least," says Sandahl.
We could get an answer on the issue soon. The current legislative session is expected to end by December 20.
"We're trying to connect with people so they understand what's going on, make sure their voices are heard and that they are given a chance to speak out to the governor specifically and ask him to veto these lame duck actions," says Sandahl.
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