North Michigan News

State Representative Ken Borton expressed his support for House Bills 4001 and 4002, which were passed by the House on Thursday. These bills aim to restore the tip credit and protect small businesses from strict paid sick time mandates. The legislation received strong bipartisan backing.

Borton, a Republican from Gaylord, stated, "The people spoke, and House Republicans delivered. Now, the ball lays solely at the feet of Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks. She has a choice to make: either help us deliver for the people of Michigan or kick our plan to the curb and leave restaurants and small business owners from Grand Rapids to Gaylord out in the cold, facing imminent shutdown."

House Bill 4001 seeks to maintain the tip credit at 38%, allowing servers and other tipped workers to earn above minimum wage through tips while permitting reasonable annual minimum wage increases.

House Bill 4002 focuses on preserving flexible paid leave options for workers and small businesses. It aims to clarify complex rules that many view as unrealistic mandates.

Borton remarked, "House Republicans took the bull by the horns, and we delivered. I could not be prouder to be a part of our Republican caucus."

Borton recently served on the House Select Committee on Protecting Michigan Employees and Small Businesses. This committee was tasked with addressing issues related to tipped wages and earned sick time legislation. Last week, both HB 4001 and HB 4002 were approved by this committee with nearly unanimous support.

The bills will now proceed to the Senate for further deliberation.