Tri-City Sun

State Representative Timmy Beson of Bay City has endorsed a bipartisan agreement aimed at establishing paid sick leave policies beneficial to both Michigan's job providers and their employees. This legislative move addresses concerns stemming from a Michigan Supreme Court ruling last summer that imposed challenging wage and sick leave mandates on small businesses.

"This has been a top issue I have heard about from people across Bay County the past several months," Beson remarked. He criticized the delay in addressing these concerns, attributing it to the majority party in the House. "It was past time to deliver solutions for workers and job providers," he added, emphasizing that the new bills will increase pay and provide flexible leave options.

Beson stressed that this was not a partisan issue, but rather a necessity to prevent job losses and support small business owners. He expressed hope for future legislation that would further reduce burdens on small businesses.

House Bill 4002 ensures all workers have access to sick time while simplifying complex rules that were poised to take effect without this legislative intervention. The bill allows employers flexibility in choosing suitable sick time plans and customizing policies related to "no call, no show" incidents, protecting them from unfounded lawsuits.

Senate Bill 8, which Beson supported advancing, maintains the tip credit at 38% through 2025 with annual increases planned until it reaches 50% of the minimum wage by 2031. A survey of Michigan restaurant servers indicated strong support for maintaining the tipping system, with over 80% favoring its retention. Another survey revealed significant potential impacts on restaurants if tipped wages were eliminated: over 92% would raise menu prices, 66% might lay off workers, and 20% could face closure.

"These are things workers and small business owners wanted from their elected leaders," said Beson. "We served as their voice by approving these bills."

The passage of HB 4002 and SB 8 through both legislative chambers awaits the governor's signature to become law.