State Rep. Ann Bollin and the Michigan House today voted to protect tipped wages and support small businesses across Michigan.

The plan, which received bipartisan support, provides a solution for workers and job providers who are concerned about losing their livelihoods due to a Michigan Supreme Court decision set to take effect on Feb. 21.

“The drastic, one-size-fits-all mandates from the Supreme Court decision would devastate Michigan’s economy,” said Bollin, R-Brighton Township. “I have heard concerns from so many people who work in these industries, and I’m proud to vote for changes that will protect their livelihoods and ensure they have the flexibility they need.”

Unless the Legislature takes action, the Michigan Supreme Court decision will establish new, confusing mandates for earned sick time that will burden small businesses and take flexible options away from workers. The ruling will also eliminate the tipped wage option, which enables restaurant servers and bartenders to make far above minimum wage by collecting large tips.

House Bill 4001 preserves the current tipped wage system, which most people in the service industry say provides them with higher earnings than the standard minimum wage. At the same time, it sets Michigan on a path toward a higher minimum wage while maintaining flexibility for small businesses.

House Bill 4002 fixes the Earned Sick Time Act by clarifying the law’s requirements and giving small businesses and their workers the flexibility to determine the paid sick time benefits that work for them. By ensuring that only businesses with 50 or more employees are required to provide mandatory sick leave, the plan will also help ensure smaller employers are not forced out of business by mandates they cannot afford to meet.

“Hardworking people shouldn’t have to worry about losing their jobs or seeing their favorite local businesses shut down,” Bollin said. “These bills will protect jobs, keep restaurant prices affordable, and provide sick leave policies that actually make sense for Michigan workers and businesses.”

The measures now move to the Senate for further consideration.

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