Michigan House Republicans walk out of session over tip wages, family sick leave

LANSING, MI (CBS DETROIT) GOP lawmakers left Friday’s session in protest, as Democrats and Republicans in the Michigan House were back and forth. They claim that Democrats were unable to negotiate worker tips and sick time regulations.

“Republicans in the Senate and the House want to ensure that waitstaff may keep their tips. “Tipped wages will disappear the way Democrats are going,” Republican Representative Brian Posthumus stated.

The lame-duck session on Friday follows recent rulings on sick leave and tipped earnings from the Michigan Supreme Court that will go into effect in February.

“This caucus message to Speaker Tate: is to put up legislation to keep earned sick leave policies alive and to protect our restaurant workers until that happens,” said Rep. Matt Hall, a Republican.

While House Speaker Joe Tate claims Democrats will keep passing legislation, House Democrats accuse Republicans of engaging in political gamesmanship. However, time is running out.

“Today is the last day to advance a bill that first comes from the chamber to the senate and then to the governor’s desk. But there are still a lot of bills to finish,” Tate stated.

The tipped minimum wage will be phased out over the course of the following five years, meaning that workers would receive the same minimum pay whether or not they receive tips. Some worry that this may result in business owners making fewer visits and spending more money.

“If we don’t move vehicle bills today on issues like the sick leave and tipped credits and minimum wage and the roads, then it’s all dead because of the Democrats,” Hall stated.

By January, Republicans will hold a majority in the House. But Tate says the Republican action on Friday is alarming.

“If they don’t want to continue negotiating to move the state of Michigan forward that’s concerning when your default is to walk out and just leave,” Tate stated.

Republicans’ refusal to assist voters has led House Democrats to demand that they refund their paychecks. The Republican Party says they will not return to the floor until bills to amend the sick leave rules and preserve the tip credit are put to a vote.

Terell, a native of Chesapeake, Virginia, has loved broadcast journalism since he was a young boy. During his school years, he was well-known for making the “morning announcements.” It makes sense that he became a TV journalist.

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