Advocacy News – Dec. 20, 2024
In a disappointing turn of events, the clock has run out to get the fixes to the earned sick time and minimum wage laws across the finish line.
Why it matters: While the issues seemed to be on the bubble throughout Lame Duck, the session fizzled out following a days-long boycott of session by one House Democrat and all 54 House Republicans as political turmoil and dysfunction hit an all-time high in Lansing.
The Earned Sick Time and minimum wage deal has been caught up in politics from the start, with the United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain urging lawmakers to reject the fixes, saying: “We strongly oppose these bills that seek to undermine the Mothering Justice v. Attorney General Michigan State Supreme Court ruling that raises the minimum wage, eliminates a subminimum wage for tipped workers, and provides earned sick time for all workers.” Unfortunately, this ‘do nothing’ mentality ruled the day, with leaders in the House and Senate refusing to allow on a legislative fix – despite the fact that there were ample votes in the House and Senate to get a deal across the finish line.
What happens next: The House adjourned Thursday for the second day in a row having voted on no bills after a call of the House was in place for about an hour and sergeants were unable to compel a single additional member to appear in the chamber despite several of them being in the building. This means the Legislature will not be able to tackle potential fixes until early 2025.
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Given that 2025 starts a new legislative session, Jan. 19-22, would be earliest the Legislature could get the fixes passed and signed by the Governor – and only if all stars align.
Go deeper: Although we remain hopeful that changes can be passed in the new year, employers should continue to prepare for the Feb. 21 effective date of these two laws.
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Resources offered by MI Chamber member, Human Resource Management Services (HRM Services), including a compliance worksheet and employee notification letter – plus a sample ESTA policy.
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Contact Wendy Block with questions at wblock@michamber.com.