With the legislative landscape shifting and the lame-duck session now underway, this time is crucial for introducing and advancing key bills that can help reduce the severe impact of the Earned Sick Time Act changes that will go into effect in February 2025 and changes to Michigan’s tipped wage law.
Fighting the Extreme Mandate With HB 6056-57
House Bill 6057 was introduced last week by Rep. Graham Filler (R-Duplain Township) at the urging of the Detroit Regional Chamber and the business community at large to make several very important and meaningful amendments to Michigan’s Earned Sick Time Act.
As introduced, this legislation makes two key changes: the definition of employee to make sure that it does not include independent contractors that you hire at work or in your own home, like a babysitter. It also allows the frontloading of the 72 hours of earned sick time. House Bill 6057 was referred to the House Committee on Regulatory Reform.
Also introduced last week, HB 6056 would retain the tipped minimum wage at 38% and have a gradual increase in the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2028, with inflationary adjustments starting in 2029. Additionally, it would change the minor worker training wage from $4.25 to 75% of the total minimum wage. These amendments will help ease the current wage schedule released in September.
What’s Next
HB 6056-57 have been referred to the House Regulatory Reform Committee and are expected to go through the committee process. However, with only 12 session days remaining and the five-day layover rule for bills in 2024, getting them through the House, Senate, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk for signature as soon as possible is crucial.
During the committee process, the Detroit Regional Chamber will continue to advocate for more changes to the legislation. Items such as protection against abuse of the system, clarifying the definition of wages, and clarifying language regarding no-call-no-show provisions need to be cleaned up so the Act can be implemented in a way that works.
Business Leaders and Chamber Members Must Act Today
The Detroit Regional Chamber is working proactively to give its members the most updated information and resources while fighting in Lansing to soften the impact of this adverse ruling.
It is also vital for business leaders to connect with their Michigan legislator to voice their support for HB 6056-57 and to work with the sponsors to better clarify the language. When businesses share their anecdotes with their elected leaders, it reinforces the importance and urgency of having these amendments signed into law before the end of 2024.
Remember, Chamber members have the added benefit of receiving advice and help on reaching out to legislative leaders personally from the Chamber’s Public Policy and Business Advocacy team.
The Chamber will continue to update and provide resources for members on this critical issue.