State Rep. Brian BeGole, of Antrim Township, issued the following statement after voting for House Bill 4002, which guarantees all workers have access to sick time while clarifying the rigid, complex rules that were originally set to take effect through a previous Michigan Supreme Court ruling from last summer. The bill also reins in “no-call, no-show” leave created through the ruling that would routinely leave small businesses, emergency medical service providers, schools and others understaffed and overwhelmed.

BeGole’s vote comes on the heels of another bipartisan agreement he voted for on Wednesday, Senate Bill 8. The bill preserves the tip credit – a crucial source of income for many workers, including in the service industry, that allows them to make even more than they would through a higher minimum wage.

After passage in both the House and Senate, HB 4002 and SB 8 will become law with the governor’s signature:

“After months of inaction from Democrats in the Senate and in majority in the House last term, House Republicans were able to bring a needed compromise to the governor that saves jobs, keeps local businesses open and protects our state and local economies from a disaster. House Republicans led on this issue. We demanded action at the end of last term and introduced reforms to start this term to ensure that this became reality.

“I wish changes had been worked out sooner so hundreds of thousands of workers and small business owners in our state didn’t have to wait until the night before the Court ruling’s effective date to see results. In the end, the legislative process worked. But state government shouldn’t kick the can down the road like this when so many livelihoods hang in the balance.

“I will continue to fight for hardworking people in our state day and night in the Legislature while protecting against blatant overreach like what we saw imposed by the Court. These plans are a better way forward.”