Michigan GOP Walkout Stalls Over 50 Bills

The Michigan House Republicans staged a walkout from a legislative session to protest the Democrats' refusal to address key issues such as the minimum wage for tipped workers and paid sick leave legislation. This walkout stalled over 50 bills, leading to Democrats passing legislation unanimously due to the absence of Republican members. The contentious issue centers on a Michigan Supreme Court decision set to take effect in February, which would replace the tipped wage with a standard minimum wage, sparking concerns from the restaurant industry about potential job losses and higher expenses. Republicans argue that these changes could harm the hospitality sector, while Democrats accuse the GOP of prioritizing political stunts over legislative progress. Despite the walkout, Democrats continued to work on their legislative agenda, seeking to pass as many bills as possible before Republicans gain a House majority in January.