LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Michigan’s House of Representatives wrapped up its first week of session in the new year. The new Republican leadership has prioritized addressing the coming changes to tipped wages and paid sick leave.
To start the new legislature, Republican leaders in the House passed the first resolution of the year to create a select committee to address bills already introduced in the chamber.
At the start of a new session, official committee assignments can take a while to organize, but Michigan’s employment laws will see changes starting February 21st. The incoming changes pushed House leaders to form the special committee to address legislation to stop the changes.
In February, Michigan’s minimum wage will increase to $12.48 an hour. Employers with fewer than 10 employees will be required to offer up to 40 hours of paid sick leave and 32 hours of unpaid leave. Businesses with 10 or more employees must offer a full 72 hours of paid sick leave. Lastly, Adjusted tipped wages will begin to be phased out, and will meet 100% of minimum wage by 2030.
Lawmakers worry the changes will burden Michigan’s restaurant industry to the point of widespread closures.
The state House and Senate both introduced different versions of the same legislation. The new bills still increase the tipped wage percentage but slower, and never put tipped wages at 100% of minimum wage, they also make changes to an earned sick time system.
Representative Parker Fairbairn (R – Harbor Springs) from Michgan’s 107th House district is on the committee.
“It’s important we have a voice from the U.P. on this committee, It’s really crucial. I’ve got a plan to help get restaurant workers down here testifying so we can get the best ideas put forward to solve this issue as fast as possible.” Fairbairn said. “We hear it all over the place, we need to solve this issue and I look forward to being at the forefront of solving it. I think it speaks to the importance that it has on our caucus and House Republicans, and that’s what we’re really going to fight for.”
The bills are now waiting for a hearing next week in the select committee. Lawmakers have six weeks to get the bills through both chambers before the current law takes effect.
