Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 12, 2024
Michiganders Agree: Action is Needed Immediately to Protect Jobs
and Prevent Restaurant Industry Collapse
Nearly 80 Percent Demand Action to Protect Hospitality Industry Jobs and Independent Restaurants
and Prevent Restaurant Industry Collapse
Nearly 80 Percent Demand Action to Protect Hospitality Industry Jobs and Independent Restaurants
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) today released new polling data that reveals that voters overwhelmingly support immediate legislative intervention to save the tip credit, with nearly 80 percent demanding action to prevent widespread restaurant closures and devastating job losses. The data comes as the industry races against time, with thousands of local restaurants at risk of permanent closure.
A polling survey conducted by Marketing Resource Group, LLC from October 7-10, 2024, demonstrates Michigan voters decisively reject policies that would destroy local restaurants and eliminate jobs:
“Michiganders possess an abundance of common sense and they expect their elected officials – Democrats and Republicans alike – to exercise their own common sense when a crisis can be avoided,” said Justin Winslow, President & CEO of the MRLA. “The Michigan legislature can honor the will of their constituents and save 60,000 jobs and 1,000 independent restaurants with one simple vote in the coming weeks. We trust that they will before it is too late.”
Recent MRLA industry research paints a dire picture of what's at stake if action isn’t taken soon:
The MRG survey, which sampled 605 Michigan voters and carries a margin of error of +/- 4.0%, shows voters overwhelmingly oppose these devastating outcomes and demand immediate legislative action.
"The future of Michigan's restaurant industry and the stability of Michigan's overall economy hangs in the balance," Winslow added. "The Michigan legislature is in a position to implement a reasonable solution, but we need Democrats and Republicans to listen to the people of our state and quickly work together in common cause. The alternative is a pandemic-level of restaurant closure and job loss, which will decimate Michigan's second largest private employer, wreaking havoc on Michigan's overall economy. The MRLA has reserved a place at the table for elected leaders of both parties to come together to get this done quickly. Let’s break bread, save jobs and preserve livelihoods together.”
A polling survey conducted by Marketing Resource Group, LLC from October 7-10, 2024, demonstrates Michigan voters decisively reject policies that would destroy local restaurants and eliminate jobs:
- 79 percent want the legislature to intervene to save independent restaurants
- 76 percent support legislative action to protect restaurant workers' jobs
- 56 percent would reduce their restaurant dining if menu prices increase as a result of losing the tip credit
“Michiganders possess an abundance of common sense and they expect their elected officials – Democrats and Republicans alike – to exercise their own common sense when a crisis can be avoided,” said Justin Winslow, President & CEO of the MRLA. “The Michigan legislature can honor the will of their constituents and save 60,000 jobs and 1,000 independent restaurants with one simple vote in the coming weeks. We trust that they will before it is too late.”
Recent MRLA industry research paints a dire picture of what's at stake if action isn’t taken soon:
- Menu price increases averaging 25% at 94% of restaurants
- Up to 60,000 Michigan jobs eliminated
- Permanent closure of one in five full-service restaurants
- Two-thirds of restaurants forced to lay off employees
The MRG survey, which sampled 605 Michigan voters and carries a margin of error of +/- 4.0%, shows voters overwhelmingly oppose these devastating outcomes and demand immediate legislative action.
"The future of Michigan's restaurant industry and the stability of Michigan's overall economy hangs in the balance," Winslow added. "The Michigan legislature is in a position to implement a reasonable solution, but we need Democrats and Republicans to listen to the people of our state and quickly work together in common cause. The alternative is a pandemic-level of restaurant closure and job loss, which will decimate Michigan's second largest private employer, wreaking havoc on Michigan's overall economy. The MRLA has reserved a place at the table for elected leaders of both parties to come together to get this done quickly. Let’s break bread, save jobs and preserve livelihoods together.”
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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