There is beefed up security today in Michigan in anticipation of the second Presidential visit this year.  President Obama is due to speak this afternoon at 2:30 at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.  It is his third visit to the campus since becoming President.  He'll be there to show support for those who would like to hike the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour by 2016.

The Detroit News is reporting the visit could have an impact on whether a group, looking to raise the wage, launches a petition drive on the issue or waits for members of the legislature to raise the rate.

It is an idea that's getting a good amount of pushback already.  Businesses say it will simply result in a shift of cost.  They say either fewer workers will be hired or customers will bear the burden of the additional cost.

Proponents of the idea say when workers make more money, they'll spend more money, pumping cash into Michigan's fragile economy. Mlive.com is reporting today on a "cash register challenge" undertaken by some Democrats wanting to prove the wage is not enough on which to raise a family.

President Obama will also be making a campaign swing for U. S. Representative Gary Peters who is hoping to take the Senate seat from retiring Carl Levin.  Peters, who has come under fire for his vote for the Affordable Care Act, is one a few congressional candidates to turn to the President to help campaign.

Obama's approval ratings are the lowest they have ever been.

The Ann Arbor event today is for invited guests only.  Some are already complaining about that saying everyone should have access to the President.  Similar claims were made when Obama came to Michigan State University in February to sign the Farm Bill.

Join Jo Anne Paul and Steve Gruber weekdays from 5:30 to 9 AM on 1240 WJIM-AM and the Stations of the Michigan Talk Network

 

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