“Something about the state garnishing paychecks if workers don’t check a box doesn’t pass the smell test, regardless of how well intentioned it might be,” said Wozniak, R-Shelby Township. “Anyone can walk into a bank right now and sign up for a 401(k) program – it isn’t hard. Forcing small business owners to facilitate deposits into IRA accounts that no one asked for, and which workers may not even be fully aware of, is deceitful and a clear government overstep.”

“Imposing these restrictions on plumbers during devastating labor shortages would be a significant oversight on the part of state government,” said Wozniak, R-Shelby Township. “We should be exploring policy that encourages more people to get into the trades, not financially disincentivizing businesses already operating on tight budgets from hiring young professionals.”