Lansing Sun

State Representative Graham Filler, along with his Republican colleagues, held a press conference on Friday to announce their decision not to support any further bills until House Democrats address key issues impacting Michigan's restaurant workers and small businesses. The Republicans urged Democrats to take swift action to preserve tipped-wage jobs and amend Michigan’s current sick leave law.

Despite these calls, House Democrats did not introduce legislation concerning these matters during the extended session on Friday. Instead, they passed policies supported solely by Democrat votes.

"Michigan’s restaurant workers and small businesses deserve more than silence from Democrat leadership," stated Filler, R-Duplain Township. "I’m here putting in the work to protect tipped servers, bartenders, and the hardworking small business owners who fuel our communities. Ignoring the devastating consequences of these reforms is negligence. We’ve put solutions on the table; now it’s time for Lansing Democrats to stop turning their backs on Michigan families and join us in protecting jobs and businesses."

The state's hospitality sector faces potential mass layoffs and closures by early 2025 without immediate legislative action. Businesses are also expected to comply soon with a complicated earned sick time law that could undermine existing paid time off policies. Industry surveys highlight severe impacts such as:

- 66% of restaurant owners might lay off employees.

- 20% may permanently close.

- 42% could reduce operating hours.

- Over 92% anticipate significant price hikes, many predicting increases between 20% and 25%.

Another survey revealed that 82% of Michigan restaurant servers wish to retain the tipping system, while 79% fear job loss if the tip credit is abolished.

Filler has introduced bipartisan measures aimed at resolving these challenges while ensuring fairness for workers and businesses. House Bill 6056 proposes a gradual minimum wage increase reaching $15 an hour by 2029 instead of following a recent court-mandated accelerated schedule. It also seeks to maintain the tipped wage system for servers and bartenders. House Bill 6057 aims to reform the state’s earned sick time law making it feasible for businesses while protecting worker rights.

"We’re offering real solutions to real problems," Filler asserted. "The data is clear: if we don’t act now, Michigan’s restaurants and their workers will suffer. This is about people’s jobs, their families, and the communities they support."

While Democrats focus on initiatives like reducing penalties for violent offenders or providing driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants, Filler affirmed his commitment to defending Michigan's workforce and small enterprises.