State Representative Ron Robinson, R-Utica, voted to support small businesses and tipped workers from mandates that are to take effect at 12:01a.m. Friday, February 21, 2025. The bipartisan vote passed the negotiated compromise to protect small businesses from the sick time requirements while also giving workers access to leave time when needed.

“This is not the plan we drew up, but it’s the best move we can make to ensure our small business owners and tipped workers are protected,” said Robinson, R-Utica. “The other side didn’t want to compromise on anything, and they were willing to let countless Michiganders who are struggling to stay afloat lose their jobs. House Republicans were not going to stand around and let that happen.”

            HB 4002 ensures that workers will have access to sick leave time while simplifying the rules that were originally set to take effect. The plan allows businesses of any size to choose a sick leave time plan that is in the best interest of their business. They will also be able to create original policies regarding the “no call, no show” cases. The plan will also protect businesses from questionable lawsuits and other pointless attacks.

“Owning a small business is hard enough without government red tape,” said Robinson. “As a small business owner myself, I understand how narrow the margins are, and the kinds of sacrifices owners make just to stay afloat. The negotiated plan is a necessary stopgap for what we were facing. Given the alternative, I hope businesses can breathe a bit easier on Friday morning.”  

Senate Bill 8, which is the plan to protect tipped workers, passed the House on Wednesday. SB 8 maintains the tip credit at 38% throughout 2025 while adding annual increases by 2%, eventually capping at 50% of the minimum wage in 2031. The plan also increases penalties for those employers who do not compensate their employees fairly.