“This bipartisan compromise isn’t perfect, but it’s a major victory for Michigan’s workforce, business owners, and economy,” said Rep. Rigas. “House Republicans led the charge to protect the wages of tipped workers and fix Michigan’s broken sick leave policies. We listened to workers and business owners—not out-of-state special interests—and delivered real solutions.”

“I want to thank Speaker Hall for entrusting me with these crucial roles,” said Rigas. “I know firsthand what happens when the government is weaponized against its own citizens. In 2020, I was targeted simply for standing up for my rights, receiving a ticket for peacefully protesting and later facing an attempt by Attorney General Dana Nessel to strip me of my professional license. I fought back and won in court, but many others aren’t as fortunate. As Chair of the Oversight Subcommittee on the Weaponization of State Government, I will make sure no Michigander has to endure similar politically motivated attacks. The people deserve a government that serves them, not one that silences and punishes dissent.”

“Michigan families work hard for every dollar they earn, yet they’re footing the bill for a bloated state budget riddled with backroom deals and unchecked earmarks,” said Rigas. “Taxpayers deserve to know exactly where their money is going, and HR 14 will ensure every dollar is spent with accountability and purpose.”

“Throughout this entire process, left-leaning lobbyists and union representatives tried hijacking the system by attempting to ‘speak’ for tipped workers and small businesses,” said Rigas, R-Caledonia. “I said it during committee, and I’ll say it again today, we are the ones who speak for tipped workers. In fact, many of us have been right in their shoes. We heard their call to action, and we listened. We still have a lot to do, but today’s vote was an important win as we work to secure protections for our tipped workers and small businesses.”

“I am honored to be appointed to the Select Committee on Protecting Michigan Employees and Small Businesses,” said Rep. Rigas. “Ensuring that our policies strike a balance between protecting employees and supporting the small businesses that drive our economy is essential for Michigan’s future. I am committed to working diligently alongside my colleagues to find solutions that preserve the tip credit system while addressing the needs of hardworking employees.”

“House Democrats had a clear opportunity to prevent devastating consequences for Michigan’s small businesses and hardworking employees, yet they chose to do nothing,” Rigas said. “By making this statement, we are sending a message that we will not stand by while political games take precedence over the livelihoods of Michiganders.”

“We cannot let these radical changes take effect. If we do, small businesses that have been staples in our communities for generations will be forced to close their doors forever,” Rigas said. “I worked as a server to pay my way through school. Thousands of young people won’t have that same opportunity if we don’t act. I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle can come together and recognize the urgent need to fix this mess. But don’t get me wrong, the radical justices that made this decision are responsible for every single business and job that doesn’t survive this entirely preventable crisis.”

“These senseless killings have left families without fathers and communities less safe,” said Rigas, whose husband is currently enrolled in the police academy. “These brave officers were on the frontlines protecting our communities from violent crime when they tragically paid the ultimate price. My husband will soon be a police officer doing the same job as these three brave men. I cannot imagine the pain I would feel if I were to lose him as these families lost their loved ones. I will forever offer my support and prayers as a mother, wife, and state lawmaker.”

“Without a historic surplus this year, Democrats had to raid somewhere in the state budget to find the funding they needed for their pet projects,” Rigas said. “I’m guessing the fact that kids aren’t old enough to vote played into their decision to gut school safety funding. Michigan students have terrible test scores and face devastating mental health struggles, but Democrats still chose to take away the mental health resources we worked so hard to secure, and instead pay for state-funded tampons.”

“It’s disgusting that a colleague in our own chamber may have misrepresented her status as a small business owner and abused positions of power to steal taxpayer dollars from other small businesses,” said Rigas, R-Caledonia. “I fought to keep my small business open during COVID. A lot of people couldn’t keep their doors open. Claiming relief dollars when you know you don’t qualify is nothing short of criminal.”

“Democrats are going to make us all live like they did on Little House on the Prairie,” said Rigas, R-Caledonia. “Banning central components for household appliances will make it so only the richest people can afford them. We’re all concerned about PFAS, but sloppy legislation like this will have unintended consequences that extend far beyond their intent. Regular people won’t feel very protected while they’re forced to drink spoiled milk and wash their clothes in a nearby river.”

“If Democrats aren’t smart enough to figure out what climate change is themselves, how are local municipalities supposed to do it?” asked Rigas, R-Caledonia. “The City of Portage just faced devastating damage from severe storms. If this program were in place, this reeling community would have to waste time proving climate change caused the tornado that literally destroyed homes before they could receive the resources they need to rebuild. It makes no sense.”