East Michigan News

House Republicans in the Northern Michigan Caucus have expressed their support for new legislation aimed at addressing a Michigan Supreme Court decision from last summer. The ruling imposes mandates on small businesses concerning wages and sick leave, while also phasing out the tip credit, which is crucial for workers in the service industry. Without legislative action, these changes will take effect on February 21.

"From Clare to Houghton, we all have small, locally owned restaurants that are staples of our communities," the caucus stated. They highlighted the potential consequences for these establishments: "These are restaurants we brought our kids to after sporting events and marked special occasions with loved ones. Now, these same places are forced to choose between hiking their prices, laying off staff, or shutting down altogether."

The caucus emphasized the importance of small businesses in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula: "In Northern Michigan and the U.P., almost every business is a small business. Their operations keep our economies alive." They argued that business owners should not be burdened by complex court rulings: "We want our farmers focused on cows, crops, and cherries and our lumbermen focused on timber; they shouldn’t have to bury their noses in legal documents."

Expressing unity on this issue, they declared: "We want everyone to know the Northern Caucus is standing together on this one. There isn’t a more significant issue facing our state today than saving our restaurants and small businesses." With a deadline looming just over a month away, they urged prompt action: "The deadline is just over a month away – it’s time to get to work."

The Northern Caucus includes state Representatives Mike Hoadley (R-Au Gres), Tom Kunse (R-Clare), Joseph Fox (R-Fremont), Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington), John Roth (R-Interlochen), Ken Borton (R-Gaylord), Cam Cavitt (R-Cheboygan), Parker Fairbairn (R-Harbor Springs), Dave Prestin (R-Cedar River), Karl Bohnak (R-Deerton), and Greg Markkanen (R-Hancock).