Great Lakes Wire

Amanda Fisher, the Michigan State Director for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), expressed support for House Bills 4001 and 4002. These bills propose changes to the tipped wage and earned sick time laws, which are set to take effect on February 21, 2025, following a Michigan Supreme Court ruling.

"NFIB would like to thank Speaker Hall and the bill’s sponsors, Rep. John Roth (R-104) and Rep. Jay DeBoyer (R-63) for the quick action of turning in House Bills 4001 and 4002. We are grateful that the new House majority has made this their number one priority, taking swift action to move these crucial pieces of legislation," said Fisher.

The NFIB had previously expressed disappointment over the lack of action during the lame-duck session despite bipartisan support. Fisher emphasized that without these changes, business owners might have to make adjustments leading to employees losing valuable time off due to existing regulations.

Fisher added that small business owners with limited margins could face difficult choices such as eliminating jobs or closing down entirely. She also noted that restaurants struggling with rising food costs might not withstand increased expenses related to servers' wages and earned sick time laws, potentially affecting servers' income negatively.

"We hope legislators from both parties will come together in the first two months of this session to help small business owners and their employees," she stated.

Reps Roth and DeBoyer introduced House Bills 4001 and 4002 on January 8, 2025.