Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2025
Media Contact:
MRLA Statement on Board of State Canvassers Review of Referendum Language
LANSING, MI — The following statement can be attributed to Justin Winslow, President & CEO of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association:
"The Board of State Canvassers unanimously validated the irrefutable reality of this misguided One Fair Wage referendum – that it will actually reduce the minimum wage for all Michiganders. Public Act 1 of 2025 established a clear, responsible increase to the minimum wage and supported our tipped employees through genuine bipartisan compromise. Allowing this out-of-state and clearly out of touch group to repeal this law won't help workers or businesses, but it will cut wages by over five percent. We call on Michigan voters to see through this deceptive campaign and decline to sign any petition that would actually cut worker pay."
"The Board of State Canvassers unanimously validated the irrefutable reality of this misguided One Fair Wage referendum – that it will actually reduce the minimum wage for all Michiganders. Public Act 1 of 2025 established a clear, responsible increase to the minimum wage and supported our tipped employees through genuine bipartisan compromise. Allowing this out-of-state and clearly out of touch group to repeal this law won't help workers or businesses, but it will cut wages by over five percent. We call on Michigan voters to see through this deceptive campaign and decline to sign any petition that would actually cut worker pay."
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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