Waterford Today

State Representative Mike Harris and the Michigan House of Representatives have passed legislation aimed at protecting the state's workers and small businesses by preserving the tipped wage and maintaining flexible paid sick leave options. This move comes ahead of a deadline related to a Michigan Supreme Court decision.

The legislation received bipartisan support in the House after it was unanimously approved by the Select Committee to Protect Michigan Employees and Small Businesses. This committee heard extensive testimony from workers and local business owners concerned about potential negative impacts on their livelihoods due to changes mandated by the court.

Rep. Harris, representing Waterford, emphasized his commitment to supporting workers in Oakland County. "I stand with the hard-working people of Oakland County, and today, my colleagues and I are protecting their livelihoods before it’s too late," he stated.

Harris urged prompt action from the Democrat-majority Senate before new restrictions take effect on February 21. "Without our bipartisan plan, doomsday is coming on Feb. 21 for Michigan workers — threatening their pay, their benefits, and their jobs," Harris warned.

House Bill 4001 aims to maintain the current tipped wage system, which allows tips to be counted as part of minimum wage earnings for certain workers such as restaurant servers and bartenders. The bill's supporters argue that this structure helps keep menu prices lower while enabling tipped employees to earn above minimum wage.

House Bill 4002 seeks to address changes made by the Supreme Court to the Earned Sick Time Act by providing clarity and flexibility for both workers and employers. The proposed bill intends to prevent high compliance costs that could reduce worker pay and benefits while ensuring smaller businesses are not unduly burdened.

Both bills now proceed to the Senate for further consideration after passing in the House with votes of 63-41 for HB 4001 and 67-38 for HB 4002.