MOST RECENT VOTES AND REASONS

(NO) SB 8: Bill to Increase the Minimum Wage by 50 Percent In 2 Years

I voted NO on Senate Bill 8 for the following reasons:

• Rapid Minimum Wage Increase – The bill raises the minimum wage from $10.56 to $15 within just two years, creating financial strain for employers who expressed clear need for more time to adjust.
• Punitive Fines for Non-Compliance – Increases the tipped wage percentage and imposes fines of $2,500 per employee if employers fail to meet new wage requirements.
• More Government Overreach – The bill adds new layers of government mandates, increasing compliance costs and legal risks for small businesses already navigating complex regulations.

PASSED: 69-40

(NO) HB 4062-64: Overly Restrictive Mandates for Elected Officials

I voted NO on this bill package because it oversteps the role of government and infringes on fundamental Constitutional rights.

• More Government Overreach – The state government should not dictate what industries private citizens can work in after leaving the legislature. Restricting post-legislative employment is an unnecessary intrusion into the lives of everyday citizens.
• First Amendment Concerns – Under the First Amendment, every American has the constitutional right to petition their government. This bill unfairly limits that right, especially for former legislators who engage in good community advocacy after their term expires.
• Discourages Public Service – Limiting career opportunities for former legislators could deter qualified individuals from serving in public office, ultimately weakening our representative government.

HB 4062: PASSED: 98-11

HB 4063: PASSED: 96-13

HB 4064: PASSED: 103-6-1

(YES) HB 4002 (Senate Substitute): Modify Paid Sick Leave Requirements for Employers

This was not an easy decision, but I ultimately voted YES on House Bill 4002 because it reduces the burden on employers compared to the even WORSE paid sick leave mandate that was set to take effect TODAY (February 21, 2025) due to the recent liberal Michigan Supreme Court ruling.

Key Reasons for My Vote:

• A Grace Period for Small Businesses – Small businesses will now have until October 1, 2025 before they are required to comply with the new paid sick leave law. This gives them time to adjust, rather than facing immediate mandates.
• Less Administrative Burden for Employers – Employers can front-load paid sick time at the beginning of the year instead of tracking it hourly. This reduces record-keeping headaches and simplifies compliance.
• Flexibility for Existing PTO Policies – If an employer already provides at least two weeks of paid vacation, those days will count toward the sick leave requirement, preventing duplicative mandates.
• A More Tailored Approach for Part-Time & Seasonal Workers – Instead of a one-size-fits-all mandate, paid sick leave for part-time and seasonal employees will now accrue based on hours worked, ensuring fairness without overburdening businesses.

Under this bill, we successfully removed some of the most burdensome provisions that would have taken effect under the Michigan Supreme Court’s ruling.

While this bill isn’t perfect, it is a better option than allowing the court’s original mandate to take effect without any changes. My priority is to protect small businesses in my district while ensuring some level of worker protections, and that’s why I voted YES.

PASSED 81-29-0 (Every Republican Voted YES)

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I appreciate you taking the time to read my update. Please feel free to share this information with any of your neighbors, family, friends and co-workers so they can stay up-to-date on what’s happening in Michigan government. As always, feel free to reach out any time via [email protected].

In God We Trust,

Representative Josh Schriver