Updates About Supreme Court Rulings

The United States Supreme Court’s recent decision to overturn the Chevron doctrine marks a significant shift in federal agency authority, impacting how regulations are interpreted and enforced across various sectors, including health care, environmental protection, and more. For decades, under Chevron, courts deferred to agencies’ interpretations of ambiguous statutes, but now, judges will hold greater discretion in evaluating these interpretations themselves. The 6-3 ruling, led by Chief Justice John Roberts, emphasized that agencies do not possess unique expertise in resolving statutory gray areas and that courts must now independently scrutinize agency interpretations instead of deferring to them automatically.

The ruling has polarized opinions, with conservatives applauding it as a check on executive overreach and liberals warning of potential chaos and setbacks in regulatory protections. This decision is expected to lead to increased legal challenges to federal regulations and could reshape how future administrations navigate policy implementation amid judicial scrutiny. It also raises questions about the future of major policy initiatives as administrations navigate a landscape where judicial decisions play an increased role in shaping regulatory outcomes.

The U.S. Supreme Court dismissed a challenge to federal regulations surrounding the abortion medication mifepristone recently, which means continued access, most notably includes by mail to patients, to the medication here in Michigan. The decision, which rejected claims of health risks associated with the medication, disappointed challenge-advocates who had sought tighter restrictions.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer praised the ruling, emphasizing its importance in protecting reproductive rights as she stated, “Mifepristone will remain safe, legal, and available to Michiganders.”

This marks the first time the Supreme Court has addressed abortion since its 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Legislators are bracing for potential upheaval should the state’s minimum wage law be invalidated by the Michigan Supreme Court. If the court strikes down the existing law, which allows tips to count towards minimum wage, Michigan could see its minimum wage potentially rise to over $13 per hour. Advocates for the wage increase, such as One Fair Wage, believe an increased wage is essential to filling low-wage job vacancies. However, critics in the hospitality industry worry that the prices of food and beverages will rise and layoffs may occur due to restaurant labor costs increasing by 250%. The fate of Michigan’s paid sick leave law also hangs in the balance.

Whitmer and State Lawmakers are considering their options, weighing the need to uphold the spirit of voter initiatives while ensuring the viability of small businesses. Worker advocates are pushing for further increases in the minimum wage to $15 by 2027, while industry representatives emphasize the importance of retaining the tip credit system. The court’s decision, expected by the end of July, could have far-reaching implications for Michigan’s economy and political landscape.