Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 13, 2025
Media Contact:
MRLA Applauds Bipartisan Effort to Preserve Tip Credit, Protect Michigan Hospitality Jobs and Community Restaurants
LANSING, MI — The following statement can be attributed to Justin Winslow, President & CEO of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association:
"Today marks a significant victory for Michigan's hospitality industry and the tens of thousands of servers, bartenders, and restaurant workers who depend on the tip credit system for their livelihoods. Through exemplary bipartisan cooperation, our legislative leaders have demonstrated their commitment to preserving both jobs and businesses across our state.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to the coalition of senators who worked tirelessly to craft this crucial compromise. Their dedication to understanding the real-world implications of this policy and their willingness to find common ground has helped avert what could have been a devastating blow to our industry.
Special recognition must go to House Speaker Matt Hall, whose steadfast leadership and unwavering support for Michigan's hospitality sector proved instrumental throughout this process.
We are also grateful to Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks for creating the environment necessary for meaningful dialogue and compromise to emerge and to Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt who has long been a champion of Michigan’s hospitality industry.
I want to particularly acknowledge Senator Kevin Hertel for his consistent leadership and advocacy on behalf of restaurant servers, bartenders, and community restaurants. His work has helped protect not only the establishments in his home district of Macomb County, but businesses and workers throughout Michigan.
This outcome demonstrates what can be achieved when legislators put partisan differences aside and work together for the benefit of Michigan's workers and small businesses. The preservation of the tip credit system will help ensure the continued vitality of our state's restaurant industry and the opportunities it provides for thousands of Michigan families."
"Today marks a significant victory for Michigan's hospitality industry and the tens of thousands of servers, bartenders, and restaurant workers who depend on the tip credit system for their livelihoods. Through exemplary bipartisan cooperation, our legislative leaders have demonstrated their commitment to preserving both jobs and businesses across our state.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to the coalition of senators who worked tirelessly to craft this crucial compromise. Their dedication to understanding the real-world implications of this policy and their willingness to find common ground has helped avert what could have been a devastating blow to our industry.
Special recognition must go to House Speaker Matt Hall, whose steadfast leadership and unwavering support for Michigan's hospitality sector proved instrumental throughout this process.
We are also grateful to Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks for creating the environment necessary for meaningful dialogue and compromise to emerge and to Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt who has long been a champion of Michigan’s hospitality industry.
I want to particularly acknowledge Senator Kevin Hertel for his consistent leadership and advocacy on behalf of restaurant servers, bartenders, and community restaurants. His work has helped protect not only the establishments in his home district of Macomb County, but businesses and workers throughout Michigan.
This outcome demonstrates what can be achieved when legislators put partisan differences aside and work together for the benefit of Michigan's workers and small businesses. The preservation of the tip credit system will help ensure the continued vitality of our state's restaurant industry and the opportunities it provides for thousands of Michigan families."
About the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,500 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 450,000 people and creating nearly $44.6 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,500 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 450,000 people and creating nearly $44.6 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
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