Republicans blast legislative Democrats for ignoring pleas from tipped wage workers

State Rep. John Roth on Friday spoke out against Democrats who continue to ignore the issues that matter most to everyday Michiganders. During the lame duck legislative session, Democrats have prioritized 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 the Michigan tipped-wage industry. Without legislative intervention, the hospitality industry faces mass layoffs and business closures early in 2025.

“Legislative Democrats are reaching a point where their level of greed and complete disregard for the Christmas season would put the Grinch to shame,” said Roth, R-Interlochen. “Our tipped workers have stood outside our chambers and pleaded with us for help. Yet, Democrats in charge are more focused on giving drivers licenses to illegal immigrants and letting dangerous convicts out of jail. The grinch may have stolen Christmas, but Democrats are going to steal a lot more from tipped wage workers if we don’t act.  

“The message from our caucus is clear; we’re tired of the games and the political misdirection. There is important legislation that needs consideration today. If they won’t do it, we will in January. We must vote to save our tipped wage workers.”

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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