LANSING, Mich. — Every Republican member of the Michigan House of Representatives walked out of session Friday, protesting House Democrats' inaction over upcoming changes to eventually eliminate the state's tipped minimum wage system.
Republicans say that because of the changes, businesses could face significant cost increases, potentially leading to reduced hours, layoffs, or closures for those who rely on tipped labor.
"So I'm just saying we're done, we're done with it. So my message and this caucus's message to Speaker Tate is Put up legislation right now to keep up the earned sick leave policies alive and to protect our restaurant workers and we aren't going to come back on the floor today until that happens," Speaker of the House-elect Matt Hall said.
Michigan’s standard tipped wage of $3.93 per hour will gradually increase to match the state minimum wage by 2030. As of 2028, the state minimum wage is set to be nearly $15 per hour.
Tipped workers are concerned they won't earn as much money since a higher minimum wage could mean there's less of an incentive for customers to tip.
Republicans have pushed to address the issue, but left the House floor in protest when Democrats did not address it.
“House Democrats had a clear opportunity to prevent devastating consequences for Michigan’s small businesses and hardworking employees, yet they chose to do nothing,” GOP Rep. Angela Rigas said. “By making this statement, we are sending a message that we will not stand by while political games take precedence over the livelihoods of Michiganders.”
State legislators need to pass the bills they want to become a law before end of day Friday in line with the state constitution.
Current Speaker of the House, Democrat Joe Tate says legislation will still be passed in the meantime.
"Democrats are here. Democrats are going to continue working and continue putting people first and it's really disappointing that Republicans have decided to just walk out and have a temper tantrum but we are continuing to work and continuing to do our job," Speaker of the House Joe Tate said.
Michigan Democratic Party Spokesperson Tommy Kubitschek released the following statement:
“If Matt Hall and his caucus aren’t going to do their job, they should return their salaries for the rest of the year. Michigan Democrats are trying to fix roads and lower costs for Michiganders while the MIGOP is pulling cheap political stunts that are an insult to the taxpayers that pay them.
“This is a disturbing sign from the MIGOP about how they will lead, or fail to, when they have the House majority. Hall failed miserably during his first appearance in major negotiations, so we don’t have high hopes for his so-called ‘leadership.’ Michiganders can clearly see that Republicans are more interested in gridlock than helping their constituents.”
The Democratic Representatives are passing bills along party lines without the GOP on the house floor. As long as the democrats hold majority, bills are able to be passed until the legislative session ends, expected to be next Thursday.
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