By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
Michigan lawmakers beat a Feb. 21 deadline to pass legislation preserving the state’s tipped wage and changes to the state’s sick leave law, with a local legislator supporting the measures.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law last Friday the legislation that had been approved by lawmakers the day before. The state Senate approved changes on the minimum wage by a vote of 20-12 and to the Earned Sick Time Act by a vote of 26-10. Sen. Roger Victory, R-Hudsonville, voted in favor of both bills.
“This bipartisan compromise will save the tipped wage for service workers in Michigan, but most importantly, it will save roughly 50,000 good-paying jobs and help hundreds of family-owned restaurants across our state keep serving their customers,” Victory said in a prepared statement.
The House approved changes to the minimum wage on a 69-40 vote and concurred on changes to ESTA by a margin of 81-29. Rep. Brad Slagh, R-Zeeland, voted yes on both bills.
Whitmer said the legislation will protect Michigan families against rising costs and inflation.
"Michigan workers deserve fair wages and benefits so they can pay the bills and take care of their family, and small businesses needs our support to keep creating good jobs in Michigan,” Whitmer said in a prepared statement. “I’m proud to sign these two bipartisan bills into law that will raise wages, ensure workers can take time off to care for themselves or their loved ones, and continue growing our economy.”
Victory said that based on the number of phone calls he had received at his office and “passionate conversations” he had with both workers and employers, it was “one of the biggest issues I’ve worked on during my time in the Senate.”
“My Republican colleagues and I have been asking Democrat leadership to listen to our workers and our small business owners for months, and I am sure that these reforms would not have been enacted without the tremendous outreach efforts of local workers. This is an example of what can be done when citizens get involved,” Victory said.
Under Senate Bill 8, the minimum wage rate increased from $10.56 to $12.48 per hour on Feb. 21, and will increase to $13.73 in 2026 and $15 in 2027. From there, inflationary increases will follow starting in 2028, and each subsequent year using the Midwest Consumer Price Index (CPI).
For tipped employees, the tipped minimum wage will stay at 38 percent in 2025 and jump 2 percent per year beginning in 2026 until it hits 50 percent in 2031. The legislation also added a $2,500 fine to be assessed to employers who fail to ensure tipped workers get paid at least minimum wage.
House Bill 4002 will expand paid sick leave policies in the workplace. Specifically, the bill increases flexibility for working families by allowing employees to use paid leave to bring your child to a doctor’s appointment, stay home to protect your coworkers from illness, and more. Additionally, the bill would ensure that employers cannot require employees find their own replacement when using earned sick time.
Justin Winslow, president and chief executive officer of the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association, said that thousands of servers and bartenders across the state can now take a deep breath now that the tip credit has been preserved.
“We're especially grateful to all those who took the time to truly understand what was at stake — the servers who showed up in Lansing to share their stories, the legislators who visited countless restaurants to learn firsthand how the tip credit works and the many small business owners who opened their books to show the real numbers,” Winslow said in a prepared statement.
Zeeland Record
Michigan lawmakers beat a Feb. 21 deadline to pass legislation preserving the state’s tipped wage and changes to the state’s sick leave law, with a local legislator supporting the measures.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law last Friday the legislation that had been approved by lawmakers the day before. The state Senate approved changes on the minimum wage by a vote of 20-12 and to the Earned Sick Time Act by a vote of 26-10. Sen. Roger Victory, R-Hudsonville, voted in favor of both bills.
“This bipartisan compromise will save the tipped wage for service workers in Michigan, but most importantly, it will save roughly 50,000 good-paying jobs and help hundreds of family-owned restaurants across our state keep serving their customers,” Victory said in a prepared statement.
The House approved changes to the minimum wage on a 69-40 vote and concurred on changes to ESTA by a margin of 81-29. Rep. Brad Slagh, R-Zeeland, voted yes on both bills.
Whitmer said the legislation will protect Michigan families against rising costs and inflation.
"Michigan workers deserve fair wages and benefits so they can pay the bills and take care of their family, and small businesses needs our support to keep creating good jobs in Michigan,” Whitmer said in a prepared statement. “I’m proud to sign these two bipartisan bills into law that will raise wages, ensure workers can take time off to care for themselves or their loved ones, and continue growing our economy.”
Victory said that based on the number of phone calls he had received at his office and “passionate conversations” he had with both workers and employers, it was “one of the biggest issues I’ve worked on during my time in the Senate.”
“My Republican colleagues and I have been asking Democrat leadership to listen to our workers and our small business owners for months, and I am sure that these reforms would not have been enacted without the tremendous outreach efforts of local workers. This is an example of what can be done when citizens get involved,” Victory said.
Under Senate Bill 8, the minimum wage rate increased from $10.56 to $12.48 per hour on Feb. 21, and will increase to $13.73 in 2026 and $15 in 2027. From there, inflationary increases will follow starting in 2028, and each subsequent year using the Midwest Consumer Price Index (CPI).
For tipped employees, the tipped minimum wage will stay at 38 percent in 2025 and jump 2 percent per year beginning in 2026 until it hits 50 percent in 2031. The legislation also added a $2,500 fine to be assessed to employers who fail to ensure tipped workers get paid at least minimum wage.
House Bill 4002 will expand paid sick leave policies in the workplace. Specifically, the bill increases flexibility for working families by allowing employees to use paid leave to bring your child to a doctor’s appointment, stay home to protect your coworkers from illness, and more. Additionally, the bill would ensure that employers cannot require employees find their own replacement when using earned sick time.
Justin Winslow, president and chief executive officer of the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association, said that thousands of servers and bartenders across the state can now take a deep breath now that the tip credit has been preserved.
“We're especially grateful to all those who took the time to truly understand what was at stake — the servers who showed up in Lansing to share their stories, the legislators who visited countless restaurants to learn firsthand how the tip credit works and the many small business owners who opened their books to show the real numbers,” Winslow said in a prepared statement.
MSU Researcher Seeks to Improve Treatments for Autoimmune Diseases
By Cameron Rudolph
Michigan State University
According to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, as many as 50 million Americans may be living with an autoimmune disorder. Many of these remain undiagnosed and, without intervention, can worsen over time. Given current treatment options, however, even those being actively managed can be met with complications.
James Pestka, a University Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University, has dedicated his career to understanding more about the causes of — and potential alternative treatments for — autoimmune diseases, particularly lupus.
“Autoimmune diseases such as lupus have a devastating effect on many individuals, and while there have been advancements in treatment, we still have substantial knowledge gaps,” Pestka said. “The goal of my research program is to understand how we can supplement — through actions like dietary changes — or even replace medications that, while effective, are currently either inaccessible to many people due to cost or present several adverse side effects.”
Autoimmune diseases can affect individuals at any age and cause the body’s immune system to attack its own healthy tissues. While there are no known cures, most current management strategies involve symptom reduction through immunosuppressive medication, which can present its own challenges with harmful side effects.
Some of the most common autoimmune diseases are type-1 diabetes, lupus, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.
With respect to disease prevalence, gender and ethnic background differences are significant. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) indicates that 78 percent of diagnoses are for women.
Additionally, African Americans and Latino/a populations are disproportionately affected.
With lupus, which can damage several parts of the body including joints and organs, this gender and ethnicity disparity is even greater. The Lupus Foundation of America reports that 90 percent of those living with the disease are women of childbearing age, and African American women are three times more likely to develop lupus than white women.
While autoimmune diseases are on the rise, according to NIH, many of them remain understudied. Researchers know that causes include genetics and environmental triggers, but relatively little progress has been made on mitigation techniques that cause less side effects and are more cost-effective.
For years, Pestka has studied how those employed in professions such as construction, manufacturing and mining are more readily exposed to crystalline silica, an environmental toxin linked to lupus and other diseases.
With funding from the National Institute of Environmental Sciences and the Lupus Foundation of America, Pestka and his team used a mouse model and found that consuming the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid, commonly known as DHA, can prevent activation and progression of lupus when caused by toxin exposure. DHA and other omega-3 fatty acids are produced in marine algae and abundant in cold-water fish.
Recently, Pestka has partnered with three MSU colleagues to explore the ways in which these toxic particles induce inflammation and autoimmunity. Researchers include Jack Harkema, a University Distinguished Professor in?the Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation (PDI), and the?Albert C. and Lois E. Dehn Chair in Veterinary Medicine; James Wagner, an associate professor in PDI; and Andrew Olive, an associate professor in the Department of Microbiology, Genetics and Immunology.
Using mice, in addition to a cell culture model, the research team has shown that exposure to crystalline silica triggers autoimmunity and inflammatory responses in lupus-prone female mice.
While researchers understand that DHA blocks this trigger, they will conduct further tests to understand how. The team will also examine how bacterial infections contribute to autoimmunity.
Building on this foundational work, newly published research from Pestka in Frontiers in Immunology has shown promising results for DHA therapies in a group of more than 400 individuals from the Michigan Lupus Epidemiology and Surveillance Cohort.
Co-authors of the study include Jenifer Fenton, a professor in the MSU Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, and Emily Somers, a professor in the University of Michigan Medical School and the School of Public Health.
The research focused on patients with lupus nephritis, a severe condition that alters kidney function and can lead to kidney failure. The group examined associations between concentrations of various fatty acids in blood and patient-reported outcomes on disease activity, pain and sleep quality. The study showed DHA led to improvement in all three areas, whereas higher levels of saturated and monounsaturated fats found in ultra-processed foods were associated with poor outcomes.
Pestka said the team has also found that omega-3 fatty acids at human-equivalent doses that cost $1 to $2 per day mimic the effects of biological therapies costing thousands of dollars per month.
“We’re seeing that consuming omega-3 fatty acids in dietary additions or through supplements can be a way to lessen the inflammatory symptoms of autoimmune diseases,” Pestka said.
“Used by themselves or in combination with smaller doses of immunosuppressing drugs, these omega-3 fatty acids may help patients avoid some of the harsh side effects of the drugs and improve quality of life. We’re looking to help patients enter the maintenance stage more quickly and reduce the possibility of flare-ups.
“One of the other important aspects of this research is that the source of omega-3 fatty acids is sustainable. Algal cultures are a way to produce this product in a way that can keep costs low, prevent overfishing and make the product accessible to those who need it.”
Michigan State University AgBioResearch scientists discover dynamic solutions for food systems and the environment. More than 300 MSU faculty conduct leading-edge research on a variety of topics, from health and climate to agriculture and natural resources. Originally formed in 1888 as the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, MSU AgBioResearch oversees numerous on-campus research facilities, as well as 15 outlying centers throughout Michigan. To learn more, visit?agbioresearch.msu.edu.
Michigan State University
According to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, as many as 50 million Americans may be living with an autoimmune disorder. Many of these remain undiagnosed and, without intervention, can worsen over time. Given current treatment options, however, even those being actively managed can be met with complications.
James Pestka, a University Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University, has dedicated his career to understanding more about the causes of — and potential alternative treatments for — autoimmune diseases, particularly lupus.
“Autoimmune diseases such as lupus have a devastating effect on many individuals, and while there have been advancements in treatment, we still have substantial knowledge gaps,” Pestka said. “The goal of my research program is to understand how we can supplement — through actions like dietary changes — or even replace medications that, while effective, are currently either inaccessible to many people due to cost or present several adverse side effects.”
Autoimmune diseases can affect individuals at any age and cause the body’s immune system to attack its own healthy tissues. While there are no known cures, most current management strategies involve symptom reduction through immunosuppressive medication, which can present its own challenges with harmful side effects.
Some of the most common autoimmune diseases are type-1 diabetes, lupus, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.
With respect to disease prevalence, gender and ethnic background differences are significant. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) indicates that 78 percent of diagnoses are for women.
Additionally, African Americans and Latino/a populations are disproportionately affected.
With lupus, which can damage several parts of the body including joints and organs, this gender and ethnicity disparity is even greater. The Lupus Foundation of America reports that 90 percent of those living with the disease are women of childbearing age, and African American women are three times more likely to develop lupus than white women.
While autoimmune diseases are on the rise, according to NIH, many of them remain understudied. Researchers know that causes include genetics and environmental triggers, but relatively little progress has been made on mitigation techniques that cause less side effects and are more cost-effective.
For years, Pestka has studied how those employed in professions such as construction, manufacturing and mining are more readily exposed to crystalline silica, an environmental toxin linked to lupus and other diseases.
With funding from the National Institute of Environmental Sciences and the Lupus Foundation of America, Pestka and his team used a mouse model and found that consuming the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid, commonly known as DHA, can prevent activation and progression of lupus when caused by toxin exposure. DHA and other omega-3 fatty acids are produced in marine algae and abundant in cold-water fish.
Recently, Pestka has partnered with three MSU colleagues to explore the ways in which these toxic particles induce inflammation and autoimmunity. Researchers include Jack Harkema, a University Distinguished Professor in?the Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation (PDI), and the?Albert C. and Lois E. Dehn Chair in Veterinary Medicine; James Wagner, an associate professor in PDI; and Andrew Olive, an associate professor in the Department of Microbiology, Genetics and Immunology.
Using mice, in addition to a cell culture model, the research team has shown that exposure to crystalline silica triggers autoimmunity and inflammatory responses in lupus-prone female mice.
While researchers understand that DHA blocks this trigger, they will conduct further tests to understand how. The team will also examine how bacterial infections contribute to autoimmunity.
Building on this foundational work, newly published research from Pestka in Frontiers in Immunology has shown promising results for DHA therapies in a group of more than 400 individuals from the Michigan Lupus Epidemiology and Surveillance Cohort.
Co-authors of the study include Jenifer Fenton, a professor in the MSU Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, and Emily Somers, a professor in the University of Michigan Medical School and the School of Public Health.
The research focused on patients with lupus nephritis, a severe condition that alters kidney function and can lead to kidney failure. The group examined associations between concentrations of various fatty acids in blood and patient-reported outcomes on disease activity, pain and sleep quality. The study showed DHA led to improvement in all three areas, whereas higher levels of saturated and monounsaturated fats found in ultra-processed foods were associated with poor outcomes.
Pestka said the team has also found that omega-3 fatty acids at human-equivalent doses that cost $1 to $2 per day mimic the effects of biological therapies costing thousands of dollars per month.
“We’re seeing that consuming omega-3 fatty acids in dietary additions or through supplements can be a way to lessen the inflammatory symptoms of autoimmune diseases,” Pestka said.
“Used by themselves or in combination with smaller doses of immunosuppressing drugs, these omega-3 fatty acids may help patients avoid some of the harsh side effects of the drugs and improve quality of life. We’re looking to help patients enter the maintenance stage more quickly and reduce the possibility of flare-ups.
“One of the other important aspects of this research is that the source of omega-3 fatty acids is sustainable. Algal cultures are a way to produce this product in a way that can keep costs low, prevent overfishing and make the product accessible to those who need it.”
Michigan State University AgBioResearch scientists discover dynamic solutions for food systems and the environment. More than 300 MSU faculty conduct leading-edge research on a variety of topics, from health and climate to agriculture and natural resources. Originally formed in 1888 as the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, MSU AgBioResearch oversees numerous on-campus research facilities, as well as 15 outlying centers throughout Michigan. To learn more, visit?agbioresearch.msu.edu.
Ottawa Executive Awarded State Airport Improvement Grant
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
Ottawa Executive Airport in Zeeland Township is one of 33 Michigan airports that have been approved to receive one-time airport development grants by the Michigan Aeronautics Commission and the Michigan Department of Transportation.
Ottawa Executive received a $78,744 grant that will be used by the airport to acquire a truck with a plow and a 72-inch commercial mower, state documents show.
The aeronautics commission and MDOT recently awarded grants for 44 airport improvement projects across the state. These funds will help airports with clearing obstructions, repairing runways, upgrading lighting, building hangars, and acquiring operations equipment.
"Gov. Whitmer and I are committed to investing in infrastructure that serves communities across Michigan, and our airports are no exception," Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II said in a news release.
"We're proud of the progress we've made bringing home millions in federal funding to improve airports, and these new awards will help airports improve safety, security and infrastructure."
MDOT initially received applications from 54 airports for 97 projects, totaling $10.5 million. Selection criteria was based on airport license status, use of COVID-19 pandemic funding, project timelines, zoning protections, project justification, community support, and alignment with the Michigan Airport System Plan (MASP).
Ottawa Executive Airport was built in 1990 by Randy Pugh. It has a 3,800-foot-long asphalt runway.
Michigan has 215 airports statewide, with 18 being commercial airports. Aviation contributes more than $22 billion annually to the Michigan economy, according to data provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Zeeland Record
Ottawa Executive Airport in Zeeland Township is one of 33 Michigan airports that have been approved to receive one-time airport development grants by the Michigan Aeronautics Commission and the Michigan Department of Transportation.
Ottawa Executive received a $78,744 grant that will be used by the airport to acquire a truck with a plow and a 72-inch commercial mower, state documents show.
The aeronautics commission and MDOT recently awarded grants for 44 airport improvement projects across the state. These funds will help airports with clearing obstructions, repairing runways, upgrading lighting, building hangars, and acquiring operations equipment.
"Gov. Whitmer and I are committed to investing in infrastructure that serves communities across Michigan, and our airports are no exception," Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II said in a news release.
"We're proud of the progress we've made bringing home millions in federal funding to improve airports, and these new awards will help airports improve safety, security and infrastructure."
MDOT initially received applications from 54 airports for 97 projects, totaling $10.5 million. Selection criteria was based on airport license status, use of COVID-19 pandemic funding, project timelines, zoning protections, project justification, community support, and alignment with the Michigan Airport System Plan (MASP).
Ottawa Executive Airport was built in 1990 by Randy Pugh. It has a 3,800-foot-long asphalt runway.
Michigan has 215 airports statewide, with 18 being commercial airports. Aviation contributes more than $22 billion annually to the Michigan economy, according to data provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
