Detroit City Wire

On February 21, 2025, several key legislative decisions were made affecting economic and employment policies. Representative Josh Schriver provided explanations for his voting record on several bills.

Senate Bill 8, which proposed increasing the minimum wage from $10.56 to $15 within two years, passed with a 69-40 vote. Representative Schriver voted against the bill, citing concerns over the rapid increase creating financial burdens for employers. He also pointed to the punitive nature of the fines for non-compliance and the addition of governmental mandates as reasons for his decision.

Schriver also opposed a package consisting of bills HB 4062-64, which focused on post-legislative employment restrictions for elected officials. According to Schriver, the bills represented excessive governmental overreach and threatened First Amendment rights by restricting career opportunities post-tenure. Despite his opposition, the bills passed with significant margins.

Conversely, Schriver supported House Bill 4002, a Senate substitute that modified paid sick leave requirements. He stated that while it was not an easy decision, the bill offered relief to employers compared to an alternative mandate pending due to a recent Michigan Supreme Court decision. The bill extended compliance deadlines for small businesses, reduced administrative burdens, and allowed flexibility for existing paid time off policies. It passed with an 81-29-0 vote, with all Republican votes in favor.

Representative Schriver emphasizes his duty to protect small businesses in his district while supporting some level of worker protections. He encourages constituents to reach out to him for further discussion and to stay informed about legislative developments in Michigan.