Great Lakes Wire

The Michigan House of Representatives has passed two significant bills, HB 4001 and HB 4002, marking the first legislative actions of the current term. These bills address issues related to tipped wage credits, minimum wage schedules, and sick time benefits for small businesses.

HB 4001 was approved with a vote of 63-41. Notably, Republican Representative Brad Paquette from Niles opposed the bill, while several Democratic representatives including Carol Glanville (Grand Rapids), Peter Herzberg (Westland), Tullio Liberati Jr. (Allen Park), Will Snyder (Muskegon), Karen Whitsett (Detroit), and Angela Witwer (Lansing) supported it.

Meanwhile, HB 4002 received broader support with a vote of 67-38. This bill saw affirmative votes from both Democratic and Republican members such as Noah Arbit (West Bloomfield), Tyrone Carter (Detroit), Amos O’Neal (Saginaw), alongside those who voted for HB 4001.

Five Democratic representatives were absent during the voting: Betsy Coffia (Traverse City), Kimberly Edwards (Eastpointe), Veronica Paiz (Harper Woods), Laurie Pohutsky (Livonia), and Samantha Steckloff (Farmington Hills).

A total of thirteen Democrats proposed amendments to these bills and provided explanations for their votes. When questioned about whether the Democratic caucus had taken an official stance on these bills, Minority Leader Ranjeev Puri stated, “what happens in caucus stays in caucus.”

Representative Dylan Wegela from Garden City raised a rhetorical question during his floor speech: “Madam speaker, do you think that when Elon Musk catches a stomach bug, he misses a day’s wage?”

Representative Bill G. Schuette from Midland expressed optimism about securing bipartisan support as the bills move to the Senate. He noted that there is hope to pass them before February 21st when a Michigan Supreme Court ruling could come into effect.

Schuette remarked on the urgency often seen in legislative processes by saying, “It seems unfortunate that much like middle schoolers facing a homework assignment, [the Legislature] works best on a deadline.”

Puri commented on what he perceives as misleading narratives suggesting legislators must choose between supporting businesses or workers. He argued that consumers typically do not inquire about server wages when dining out in other states.

“I bet if I polled all of you, you couldn’t name a lot of the states [with this in place],” Puri told reporters.

He also indicated openness to meaningful discussions regarding these issues but acknowledged that previous disputes have persisted since last summer due to disagreements within party lines.

This article is provided courtesy of MIRS News for SBAM’s Lansing Watchdog newsletter.