State Rep. Matthew Bierlein has been named to a select committee that will drive discussion and pursue reforms to help Michigan workers maintain their way of life and small businesses keep their doors open.

The Select Committee on Protecting Michigan Employees and Small Businesses provides immediate action to start the 2025-26 term and stave off economic disaster. The committee’s announcement follows a short-sighted Michigan Supreme Court decision from last summer that puts unrealistic mandates on small businesses regarding wages and sick leave while phasing out the tip credit, which provides a key source of income for workers and in often cases is more than an employee would make with an increased minimum wage – notably in the service industry.

“Ever since that ruling came down, small business owners and their workers have told elected leaders in Lansing that they would experience incredible hardship when the court’s decision becomes effective in February,” said Bierlein, of Vassar. “Unfortunately, Democrats did not address these issues legislatively last term despite having months to do so. We are taking prompt action and standing with workers to deliver solutions. I’m eager to get started.”

Surveys show that two-thirds of Michigan restaurant operators expect they will need to lay off staff if the mandates are implemented. Additionally, 94% of businesses anticipate significant price hikes for consumers, and one in five full-service restaurants could close permanently.

A pair of House Republicans have already introduced the first proposals of the 103^rd Legislature – House Bills 4001 and 4002, that would strike a needed balance between economic growth and protecting workers. Bierlein has co-sponsored the legislation.

The bills preserve tipped wages, move toward a higher minimum wage and maintain the status quo for earned sick leave while ensuring small businesses with low staff numbers are not harshly impacted by no-notice sick leave that would routinely leave them understaffed and overwhelmed.

The 15-member select committee, which will feature both Republican and Democrat legislators, is set to hold its first hearing next week.