Fond Du Lac Times

Congressman Glenn Grothman has introduced the Ensuring Workers Get PAID Act, seeking to reinstate a program initially launched in 2018 under the Trump Administration. The Payroll Audit Independent Determination (PAID) program allows businesses to resolve wage discrepancies quickly. Grothman emphasizes the program's past success, stating: “The PAID program was an objective success and returned money to workers much faster than traditional methods, benefiting both employees and businesses."

Several organizations, including the National Retail Federation and HR Policy Association, express support. Edwin Egee from the National Retail Federation highlights the avoidance of federal court processes: “Even the best-intentioned employer can run afoul of the countless federal, state, and local wage and hour regulations. Codification of the PAID program would allow employers to rectify such mistakes quickly.” Chatrane Birbal from HR Policy Association notes the program’s benefits in reducing litigation: “By promoting accountability, efficiency, and fairness, this legislation offers a common-sense approach to resolving wage issues."

Small businesses also support the act. Dylan Rosnick from the National Federation of Independent Business comments on the program's value: "Unlike larger businesses, many small businesses do not have dedicated compliance officers or human resources departments."

The PAID program's reinstatement aims to provide a practical solution for addressing wage discrepancies, streamlining processes for businesses, and ensuring workers receive owed wages promptly.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor's data from the program's previous operation, the PAID program identifies more back wages in less time than conventional methods. This program was terminated in 2021 under the Biden Administration, leaving its potential reinstatement as a debated topic within Congress.