Michigan House approves minimum wage, sick leave bills

The Michigan House recently passed two bills aimed at countering a Michigan Supreme Court ruling that mandates an increase to the minimum wage and expansion of paid sick leave. House Bill 4001 would set the minimum wage at $12.00 instead of the court-ordered $12.48 and preserve a subminimum wage for tipped workers, while House Bill 4002 would exempt small businesses with fewer than 50 employees from paid sick leave requirements. These bills received mostly Republican support, with some Democrats crossing party lines to vote in favor. Critics, including the Michigan League for Public Policy, argue that the legislation undermines workers' rights and exacerbates wage inequities, particularly for women and people of color in low-wage jobs. The new laws, which are set to take effect on February 21, have garnered significant public support, with polls indicating strong backing for both the minimum wage increase and paid sick leave provisions. The bills now proceed to the Democratic-controlled Senate, where their future remains uncertain.