Tri-City Sun

State Representative Timmy Beson of Bay City has announced the introduction of House Bills 4001 and 4002, which aim to address concerns raised by a recent Michigan Supreme Court decision. The bills, co-sponsored by Beson, are intended to protect local job providers and their employees by balancing economic growth with livelihood protection.

The court's decision, set to take effect on February 21, would phase out the tip credit and implement new mandates for sick leave and wages. This could force businesses to lay off staff, reduce hours, or close down. "Time continues to run out on many small businesses and workers throughout Bay County and the state," said Beson. "They need solutions so they can stay in business and people can keep their jobs."

The proposed legislation aims to preserve tipped wages while moving towards a higher minimum wage. It also seeks to maintain current earned sick leave policies without imposing undue burdens on small businesses that could be left understaffed due to no-notice sick leave.

Despite bipartisan support for reform, House Democrats did not address these issues during the 2023-24 term. Meanwhile, servers, bartenders, and small business owners have expressed concerns about the potential impact of the court ruling on their livelihoods.

In response, House Republicans have established a new committee—the Select Committee on Protecting Michigan Employees and Small Businesses—to focus on tipped wage and earned sick time legislation.