Livingston Today

State Representative Ann Bollin has urged the Democrat-led House, Speaker Joe Tate, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer to address concerns following the Michigan Supreme Court's decision to increase the minimum wage and enforce new paid sick leave requirements.

Bollin expressed that "local business owners are deeply concerned about whether they can comply with these new mandates without cutting jobs or raising prices." She highlighted that small businesses, especially those with fewer than 10 employees, face challenges as they must now provide paid sick leave to all workers, including temporary or seasonal staff. According to Bollin, this lack of flexibility threatens their survival. She stressed that solutions are needed immediately rather than waiting until next year.

Feedback from a recent focus group revealed that many business owners desire changes in the paid sick leave policy. They seek more flexibility in how sick time is managed and suggest requiring advance notice from employees for taking leave when feasible. Despite these concerns, Bollin noted that Democrats have largely been silent on these issues.

Bollin stated, “Democrats need to step up and act now.” She emphasized the current uncertainty facing businesses and its impact on the economic climate. According to her, businesses deserve clear answers.

She advocates for leave policies crafted by businesses in collaboration with their employees instead of being government-mandated. Bollin calls for her colleagues in the majority to collaborate on creating a solution that offers businesses necessary flexibility while preserving jobs.