LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Tipped workers rallied in Lansing on Tuesday afternoon and implored the state Legislature to address a looming change to the state’s restaurant industry.

Republican State Senator Jim Runestad stood with the workers.

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As previously reported, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled in October that the state’s minimum wage will increase on Feb. 21, 2025. The justices eliminated the tip credit for servers, bartenders, and other workers who often make more with tips than they would with a higher minimum wage.

Senator Runestad addressed the problem on social media, calling out the Democrats in their waning days of majority power to right the wrong for Michigan workers.

“The Democrats are threatening the very livelihood of our small, independent restaurants across the state by refusing to act on critical legislation that would reverse their supported policy to eliminate tips for restaurant workers,” Runestad said.

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Senate Bill 991 looks to course correct this problem.

Michigan Republicans will take control of the House on Jan. 1.