1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I strongly urge you to reconsider the House bills that would undermine paid sick leave and tipped wage laws in Michigan. The legislation approved by the Republican-led House poses a direct threat to the wellbeing of workers across our state. The proposed changes would drastically limit access to paid sick leave by exempting businesses with fewer than 50 employees, leaving around 264,000 firms unaffected. This would deprive countless workers of the ability to take time off when ill or caring for a sick family member without fear of lost wages or retaliation. No one should have to choose between their health and their paycheck. Furthermore, keeping the tipped minimum wage at a mere 38% of the standard minimum wage perpetuates an unjust system that allows businesses to underpay tipped workers. A full minimum wage increase to $15 per hour was secured through a citizen-led ballot initiative and affirmed by the Michigan Supreme Court. Undermining this mandate disregards the will of Michigan voters. While businesses may benefit financially from these proposed changes in the short term, the costs to worker dignity, public health, and household financial stability cannot be ignored. I implore you to stand with working families and uphold the paid sick leave requirements and minimum wage increases as originally intended. Protecting the rights and livelihoods of our state's labor force should be a top priority.