State Rep. Joey Andrews (D-Saint Joseph) speaks on the House floor at the Capitol Building in Lansing on Jan. 23, 2025.
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 23, 2025 — The Michigan House of Representatives voted today to pass House Bills 4001 and 4002, which cut the minimum wage, uphold the sub-minimum wage for tipped workers, and weaken provisions of the Earned Sick Time Act. After voting no, state Rep. Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph) issued the following statement:
“House Democrats negotiated in good faith to reach a compromise, and we are deeply disappointed that common-sense amendments were rejected. These bills slash wages for Michigan’s workers and strip earned sick leave protections from 96% of our workforce, making life harder for those who are already struggling to make ends meet.
“With the cost of living rising, we can’t justify taking money out of workers’ pockets. And at a time when accessing health care is a challenge for so many, making it even more difficult to take time off for health reasons will only worsen the crisis.
“Michigan families deserve better. We will continue to fight for a balanced solution that protects both workers and small businesses. This is not just necessary — it’s achievable.”
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