LANSING, MI – State Rep. Pauline Wendzel has been appointed to a new select committee that will lead discussion and pursue reforms to help hardworking Michiganders maintain their livelihoods and help small businesses keep their doors open.

The Select Committee on Protecting Michigan Employees and Small Businesses is a priority of the House Republican Caucus. It 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.

“For months, House Republicans have listened to restaurant workers and small business owners share how the Supreme Court decision will impact their lives.  It would be catastrophic,” Rep. Wendzel said. “With 1 in 5 restaurants at risk of closing and more than 50,000 jobs on the line, House Republicans promised immediate action, and now we’re delivering on that promise.”

House Bills 4001 and 4002 are the first pieces of legislation introduced by the new Michigan House Republican Majority. The 15-member select committee, which will feature both Republican and Democrat legislators, is set to hold its first hearing next week.

###