Tri-City Sun

State Representative Bill G. Schuette has played a key role in advancing House Bills 4001-02, aimed at protecting Michigan workers and small businesses. These bills are a response to a Michigan Supreme Court ruling set to take effect in February, which imposes mandates on small businesses regarding wages and sick leave while phasing out the tip credit.

Schuette emphasized the importance of these reforms, stating, “This is the most pressing and urgent issue facing many employees and small businesses across our state.” He highlighted testimony from individuals like Amy, a single mother working at Buffalo Wild Wings, who benefits significantly from the tip credit. According to Schuette, “These bills are about protecting Michiganders.”

The proposed legislation maintains the current 38% tip credit and proposes gradual increases in the minimum wage. It also modifies a court-mandated earned sick leave policy by defining an employer as having 50 or more workers, thus exempting smaller businesses from certain requirements. Additionally, it allows employees to carry over more than 72 hours of unused sick time if permitted by their employer.

Schuette chaired discussions on these bills within the House Select Committee on Protecting Michigan Employees and Small Businesses. The proposals received strong bipartisan support as they moved out of committee to the House floor. They now await consideration by the Senate.

Schuette's efforts reflect House Republicans' commitment to addressing what they see as burdensome mandates resulting from last summer's court decision.