LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – The deadline for lawmakers to act on changes coming to Michigan’s tip credit, and paid sick time laws is approaching rapidly. The original 2018 law is set to kick in this Friday, February 21, and lawmakers are determined to pass new laws to take their place.
Today in the House, representatives voted to pass bipartisan legislation to change the state’s minimum wages and adjusted tipped wage, but are still negotiating a new Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA).
Michigan’s Supreme Court overturned the state’s current wage act, reversing changes that were made in 2018. House Democrats are arguing the best thing to do is let the 2018 Earned Sick Time Act take effect, requiring all employers provide paid sick days to full time workers.
House republicans believe the changes would be a financial burden for small businesses. Speaker of the House, Representative Matt Hall (R-Richland Township), is leading negotiations to exempt small businesses from the paid sick time requirements, and to lower the number of hours required.
Representatives voted to pass the senate bills that will change the minimum wage and adjusted tipped wages, 69 to 40. The legislation will need to see a vote in the Senate for it to take immediate effect, replacing the 2018 law before it kicks in. Negotiations on the ESTA are expected to continue late into the afternoon tomorrow.
