Waterford Today

State Representative Mike Harris has supported a bipartisan plan to implement fair earned sick time policies, aiming to protect workers and small businesses from mandates that were set to take effect. The vote on House Bill 4002 followed extensive negotiations between House Republicans and Senate Democrats.

This legislative action comes just before the February 21 deadline when a Michigan Supreme Court ruling would have phased out the tipped wage and introduced new sick time rules. On Wednesday, Senate Bill 8 was passed to preserve the tipped wage option for restaurant servers and bartenders.

“After a long and vocal effort by the people of Michigan, the Legislature is taking action to save the jobs of Michigan workers and keep small businesses in our communities afloat,” said Harris, R-Waterford. He emphasized that the Supreme Court's decision could have negatively impacted local businesses, potentially leading to closures and job losses.

HB 4002 aims to amend Michigan’s Earned Sick Time Act by offering flexible earned sick leave options while considering challenges faced by small businesses. The legislation seeks to prevent stringent mandates that might force businesses into layoffs or closure due to increased costs. It also provides protection against lawsuits and addresses issues like no-call, no-show absences in critical industries.

Senate Bill 8 ensures that tipped workers continue earning their base wage plus tips. It maintains the tip credit at 38% of the standard minimum wage this year, with plans for gradual increases reaching up to 50% by 2031.

Both bills are now proceeding to the governor for approval.