SE Grand Rapids News

State Representative Gina Johnsen, a Republican from Portland, has expressed her support for bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting the livelihoods of tipped workers. The legislation seeks to safeguard the tip credit while allowing for reasonable increases in compensation rates.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Rep. Johnsen emphasized the urgency of further legislative action to prevent stringent mandates from affecting small businesses starting Friday. She warned that these mandates would allow employees to miss up to three days of work without notification and still be protected from termination.

"While today marks a significant victory, there is no time to celebrate," she stated. "Crucial decisions are still needed as stringent mandates threatening our small businesses are set to take effect Friday at 12:01 a.m. unless legislative measures are taken."

Johnsen illustrated potential consequences by noting that roles such as kindergarten teachers and 911 operators could face operational disruptions due to these rules. "This means a kindergarten teacher could unexpectedly extend their weekend, leaving their class unsupervised and their colleagues overwhelmed, with no repercussions if they return by Wednesday," she explained.

Senate Bill 8 aims to maintain the tip credit at 38% through 2025, with planned annual increases that will cap at 50% of the minimum wage by 2031. Additionally, it proposes increased penalties for employers who do not fairly compensate their staff. This bill is linked legislatively with another bill addressing paid sick time issues; both must be signed into law together for either one to be enacted.

Rep. Johnsen called upon Democrats to take necessary actions before the deadline on Friday.