Tri-City Sun

State Representative Timmy Beson voted in favor of legislation aimed at protecting jobs, small businesses, and local economies from upcoming state Supreme Court mandates. The decision was made on Thursday as part of efforts to balance economic growth with worker protection.

The proposed House Bills 4001-02 address concerns stemming from a court ruling last summer, set to take effect on February 21. This ruling imposes new demands on small businesses regarding wages and sick leave while phasing out the tip credit system, which many service industry workers rely on for income.

"I have heard for months about this issue and it was a top priority to start this term," said Beson, representing Bay City. "Small businesses employ almost 2 million people across our state. If workers are laid off and businesses have to close, it will have a devastating impact."

Beson further stated that the legislation aims to prevent significant changes advocated by special interests outside Michigan, which could lead to job losses and strain local employers.

House Bills 4001-02 propose maintaining the current 38% tip credit while gradually increasing the minimum wage over time. Additionally, they seek to modify the court-mandated earned sick leave policy by defining an employer as having 50 or more employees. Businesses with fewer than 50 employees would not be subject to these requirements.

The bills also allow employees to carry over more than 72 hours of unused sick time into the following year if permitted by their employer, offering increased flexibility for workers.

The proposed legislation will now proceed to the Senate for further consideration.