By By ERIN VER BERKMOES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - Workers in Michigan may find that they have a bit more money in their pocket in the coming years. Niles area residents agree that this would be a good thing.
Some Michigan residents have expressed their support for an increase in the state's minimum wage from $5.15 and hour to $7.15 an hour, by a nearly 3-1 margin, according to a recent poll.
If the legislation were to be passed, the amount would be raised gradually over the next two years.
Marge Wells of Niles said, "It would be great if that were to happen. It would help out the middle class, as well as single parents who need a little extra money to get by."
Mike Small of Niles said, "That is something that really needs to be done. People can't afford the things they need, because they aren't getting paid enough, and are struggling to get by."
Mardy Grezgorek of Majerek's Hallmark and Readers World said, "I think would be great if they raised the minimum wage. I don't think its been done for quite a while and it probably about time they did."
If Michigan lawmakers did indeed vote to change the state's minimum wage amount, the state would join 14 others and the District of Colombia who have all have minimum wages which are higher then the federal $5.15 and hour. That amount has been in place since 1997.