Rep. Borton slams Democrats prioritization of radical policy over major threats to hospitality industry and small businesses

State Rep. Ken Borton on Friday slammed legislative Democrats for prioritizing letting criminals out of jail, giving drivers licenses to illegal immigrants, and raising fees across the state, instead of focusing on key policies to save small businesses, and the tipped-wage industry. Without legislative intervention, the hospitality industry and many small businesses face mass layoffs and business closures early in 2025.

“We’re right up against the buzzer on this lame duck legislative session and Democrats are still completely ignorant to the dire situation faced by our tipped wage workers and small businesses,” said Borton, R-Gaylord. “Republicans recognize the urgency of getting something done; that’s why we’ve dragged Gov. Whitmer and legislative Democrats to the negotiating table for over a month now. But they’ve been distracted by their efforts to let murderers out of jail and clear the way for illegal immigrants to get driver’s licenses. We’ve been negotiating in good faith, and they’ve been dragging their feet as they try to strong arm their members into further destroying our state. We’re not going to stand for it anymore. The people chose Republicans because we’re going to save our tipped wage workers and small businesses, if the Democrats still don’t see that writing on the wall now, they’re in for a rude awakening come January.”

A recent survey by the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association illustrates the dire consequences of letting the radical changes in the 2018 proposals stand:

• 66% of restaurant owners say they would be forced to lay off employees.
• 20% would be forced to shut their doors.
• 42% would be forced to cut operating hours.
• More than 92% of restaurants would be forced to hike prices, with many anticipating increases of 20% to 25% by early 2025.

Another survey found that 82% of Michigan restaurant servers wanted to keep the tipping system in place, and 79% worried about losing their job if the tip credit were eliminated.

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