Waterford Today

State Representative Mike Harris has cast his vote in favor of a bipartisan initiative aimed at safeguarding the tipped wage for restaurant workers in Michigan. This move, supported by a majority in the House of Representatives, is intended to protect both employees and small businesses.

Harris, a Republican from Waterford, highlighted the significance of this agreement between the Republican-controlled House and the Democrat-led Senate. He emphasized that maintaining the tipped wage option would help keep restaurant prices lower and motivate customers to tip generously. Harris stated, "Michiganders’ very livelihoods are on the line, and we’re listening to the workers and small-business owners calling for their representatives to act."

The legislation under consideration is SB 8, which aims to preserve the base wage for tipped workers at 38% of the standard minimum wage through 2025, with planned annual increases until it reaches 50% by 2031. The standard minimum wage is set to rise to $15 by 2027. Under existing Michigan law, if tips combined with base wages do not meet the minimum wage threshold, employers are required to cover the shortfall.

Additionally, Harris expressed concerns about impending earned sick time mandates. He remarked that preserving flexible sick time options was a priority to prevent job losses and business closures: "With this deal between the House and Senate, we’re taking a step in the right direction by voting to save the tips of hard-working restaurant staff."

SB 8 will proceed to Governor Gretchen Whitmer's desk following procedural steps in the Senate. It is linked legislatively with House Bill 4002, which addresses paid sick time issues currently being negotiated by House and Senate leaders.