East Michigan News

State Representative Jerry Neyer expressed support for legislative measures aimed at protecting small businesses and tipped workers from new mandates scheduled to take effect. The House passed House Bill 4002 in a bipartisan vote, which aims to shield small businesses from strict sick time regulations while ensuring workers' access to leave.

"The legislative process can be tough, but days like today prove that our system works," stated Neyer, R-Shepherd. "Two sides with vastly different viewpoints recognized there was a problem and set aside their partisan differences to find solutions. House Republicans spearheaded this effort, but we wouldn’t have a common-sense plan that keeps businesses open and servers working without Senate Democrats who were willing to abandon their liberal ideals to protect our state. It wasn’t easy, but we can leave Lansing this week knowing we did what had to be done."

HB 4002 ensures that all workers have access to sick time while simplifying the previously complex rules. The legislation allows employers of varying sizes to select the sick time plan suitable for their business needs and develop specific policies for "no call, no show" situations. Additionally, it protects businesses from unfounded lawsuits and other challenges posed by left-wing activists.

Senate Bill 8, designed to safeguard tipped workers, was passed by the House on Wednesday. This bill maintains the tip credit at 38% through 2025 with annual wage increases planned until it reaches 50% of the minimum wage by 2031. The legislation also increases penalties for employers who do not adequately compensate their staff.