State Rep. David Martin (R-Davison) voted in favor of saving tipped wage workers and small businesses last month from a devastating mandate that would’ve taken place February 21. House Bill 4002, a compromise to the unrealistic sick time mandate, and Senate Bill 8, a compromise to save tipped wage workers, both passed the house in February and were signed into law by the governor last week.

SB 8 maintains the tip credit at 38% through 2025 while steadily increasing until it reaches 50% of the minimum wage in 2031. The plan also heightens the penalties for employers who fail to adequately compensate their workers.

“These compromises were not perfect, but we saved tipped workers from a mandate that would’ve completely devastated their livelihoods,” Martin said. “The vast majority of the public support tipped wage workers. I’m proud that Republicans and some Democrats came together to protect these jobs.”

HB 4002 guarantees access to sick time for all workers, while clarifying the strict, complex rules that were originally set to take effect with the mandate. The plan allows employers of all sizes to choose the sick time plan that works best for their businesses. It also allows for creating unique policies regarding “no call, no show” incidents. The legislation also provides important protections for businesses from baseless lawsuits regarding time off.

“Small business owners work extremely hard to take care of their families and their employees,” Martin said. “They’ve had a hard enough time dealing with inflation and the economy the past couple years. I’m glad we were able to release them of the burden this mandate would’ve forced upon them and their employees.”

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