Michigan Court Reporters need our fellow citizens' help!! We have been earning the same rate since 1986 and need our Legislators to act.   Please sign this petition to show your support and let our Legislators in Lansing know Michigan Court Reporters Deserve Fair Compensation.

Michigan Court Reporters’ per page rate is cost controlled by statute.  The last amendment to increase this rate occurred in 1986.  That means that Michigan Court Reporters have not had an increase for 33 years.  Michigan HB 4329 is a bipartisan bill that has been introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives and is awaiting review by the Judiciary Committee. You can find the text of the bill here: HB 4329 

Michigan's current page rate is $1.75 per page, the lowest per page rate in the nation, including Washington DC and the federal government.  The national average rate is $3.21 per page.  The surrounding states' rates are: Ohio: $4.00 per page; Indiana: $4.50 per page; and Illinois: $3.50 per page.  HB 4329 would bring Michigan's page rate to $3.50. 

Many municipalities outsource their transcription work to subcontractors.  These subcontractors' income is the per page rate; no sick time, no vacation time, no health insurance, no retirement benefits.  There are hundreds of small businesses, run by women - who make up 95% of this profession - that have gone under because they simply could not continue to operate at 1986 rates.  

Please show your support and sign our petition today.  The judicial system - both civil and criminal - relies on accurate and professional transcripts for the proper administration of justice.