Last week, I joined my Republican colleagues at a Friday press conference, where members of the House Republican caucus announced they would not support any more bills until House Democrats take immediate action to save tipped-wage jobs and fix Michigan’s flawed sick leave law.

Despite these calls for action, House Democrats refused to bring forward legislation addressing these concerns during a lengthy Friday session, opting instead to pass partisan policies with only Democrat votes.

Michigan’s restaurant workers and small businesses deserve more than silence from Democrat leadership. This is the number one issue affecting every district across the state, and the failure to act by Democrat leadership is shameful and irresponsible. There are bipartisan solutions on the table; now, it’s time for the Speaker to stop turning his back on Michigan families and join Republicans and sensible Democrats in protecting jobs and businesses.

Without immediate legislative intervention, Michigan’s hospitality industry is at risk of mass layoffs and closures in early 2025. Additionally, businesses will soon face compliance with a convoluted earned sick time law that threatens existing, more generous paid time off policies. These challenges have been underscored by industry surveys, which reveal the devastating impact these changes could have on both businesses and workers:

·       66% of restaurant owners report they would be forced to lay off employees.

·       20% say they would have to close their doors permanently.

·       42% would reduce operating hours.

·       More than 92% anticipate significant price hikes, with many expecting increases of 20% to 25%.

Another survey showed that 82% of Michigan restaurant servers want to keep the tipping system in place, while 79% fear losing their jobs if the tip credit is eliminated.

While Democrats continue to focus on radical policies like reducing penalties for violent offenders, providing driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants, and hiking fees on hardworking Michiganders, I remain committed to protecting Michigan’s workers and small businesses.