LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan Republicans are warning employers to take a good look at what House Democrats are proposing now – because if Democrats win back the state House in November, those proposals could become much more than paperwork gathering dust in committee.
A collection of Democratic-sponsored bills would raise the corporate income tax, push the minimum wage to $20 an hour and impose new requirements involving employee scheduling, temporary workers and wage disclosures. Republicans argue the package offers a preview of what businesses could face under Democratic control.
Corporate income tax increases and minimum wage increases.
Perhaps the biggest number comes from House Bill 6134, which would increase Michigan’s corporate income tax rate from 6% to 10% beginning Oct. 1, 2026 – a nearly 67% increase. Then there’s House Bill 4075, which would steadily raise Michigan’s minimum wage until it reaches $20 an hour in 2030.
Your work schedule: courtesy of Lansing.
Other Democratic proposals would add new workplace rules affecting scheduling, temporary labor and employee pay information. The bills would require some employers to provide work schedules two weeks in advance and pay extra for certain changes, impose additional requirements on businesses using temporary workers, and require employers to provide workers with pay information for employees in similar positions.
Schuette: Democratic control would come at a cost.
Michigan Rep. Bill Schuette (R-Midland) said those proposals should concern Michigan employers, particularly in a state already struggling to compete. “Michigan Democrats have completely embraced this far-left socialist idea that has been rejected across the globe, and now they’re trying to bring it here to Michigan,” Schuette told Michigan News Source.
Schuette added, “They want to make it even harder to start a family here, make it even harder to start a business, and make it harder to earn an income.”
Firewall in place: for now.
For now, Republicans control the Michigan House, meaning the bills face a difficult path. But all 110 House seats are on the November ballot, and Republicans say a Democratic takeover could quickly change that. Schuette argues Michigan should be making itself more attractive to workers, families and employers – not more expensive.
In other words, Michigan employers may have more than election returns to watch in November. If Democrats retake the House and retain the Senate, Republicans say businesses should keep one eye on their tax bills, another on their payrolls – and perhaps clear some desk space for the additional paperwork.
