State Rep. Angela Rigas on Thursday voted in support of House Bills 4001 and 4002, the first bills of the legislative term, which will restore the tip credit and protect small businesses from intrusive paid sick time mandates. The bills passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support.

“Throughout this entire process, left-leaning lobbyists and union representatives tried hijacking the system by attempting to ‘speak’ for tipped workers and small businesses,” said Rigas, R-Caledonia. “I said it during committee, and I’ll say it again today, we are the ones who speak for tipped workers. In fact, many of us have been right in their shoes. We heard their call to action, and we listened. We still have a lot to do, but today’s vote was an important win as we work to secure protections for our tipped workers and small businesses.”

HB 4001 ensures the tip credit is maintained at 38% while allowing for reasonable annual minimum wage increases. Leaving the tip credit at its current level allows servers and other tipped wage workers to continue earning far beyond minimum wage through their tips.

House Bill 4002 allows workers and small businesses to retain the paid leave options that work for them. The plan also clarifies the looming rules, viewed by many as a one-size-fits-all mandate that is unrealistic and so confusing even lawyers can’t understand.

Rigas served on the House Select Committee on Protecting Michigan Employees and Small Businesses, which was formed with the sole focus of addressing tipped-wage and earned sick time legislation. Last week, the committee approved both HB 4001 and 4002 with near unanimous support.

Both bills now move to the Senate for further consideration.

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