LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – After outgoing House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) refused to fulfill a previous promise to negotiate keeping the state’s tipped wage system, Republicans walked out of session in Lansing on Friday.

Michigan’s tipped wage system hangs in the balance.

Legislative intervention is required after the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that minimum wage increases will start in February. That includes the elimination of tipped wages and requires paid sick leave. If lawmakers don’t intervene, many restaurants and businesses in Michigan may be faced with layoffs, rising prices, or closures. In order to cover the impending rising costs, a recent survey by the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association 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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State Rep. Ken Borton (R-Gaylord) spoke to Michigan News Source. He slammed legislative Democrats for prioritizing pet projects and ignoring Michigan businesses.

“The Democrats are still sitting in the chamber at ease,” Borton said. “None of [the Republicans] have left town and we are here. If Speaker Tate wants to negotiate in good faith, I know the leader [Rep Matt Hall] would welcome that.”

Borton said they are facing a critical deadline in the lame duck session. “Democrats are still completely ignorant to the dire situation faced by our tipped wage workers and small businesses,” said Borton. “Republicans recognize the urgency of getting something done; that’s why we’ve dragged Gov. Whitmer and legislative Democrats to the negotiating table for over a month now.”

House Republicans take over on New Year’s Day.

Michigan voters put a stop to the state’s Democratic majority last month when they flipped the House red. Borton also blasted fellow Democrats for ignoring the will of the people on Nov. 5. “If the Democrats still don’t see that writing on the wall now, they’re in for a rude awakening come January.” Borton emphasized that Republicans will take up this issue on Day 1.

Meanwhile, Rep. Hall (R-Richland Township)  called on any Democrats with “courage” to join Republicans in finding a solution.

 

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Incoming floor leader Rep. Bryan Posthumus (R-Rockford) previously said that Democrats are “doubling down on the crazy” when it comes to the flurry of bills they’re entertaining during their waning days of power.

Tate plays politics.

Rep. Tate’s move may not just be sour grapes as his tenure ends as House Majority leader. On Nov. 21, he filed the paperwork for an exploratory committee in a potential quest to run for Detroit mayor.

The legislature is scheduled to be in session next week. However, anything not passed on Friday cannot be brought up next week.