LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – As a Feb. 21 deadline looms for the state’s tipped wage workers and small businesses, the Michigan Senate finally passed legislation that modifies the increased amount and schedule.

The bipartisan Senate Bill No. 8 passed 20-12 on Thursday night. This bill would raise the tipped wage to 50% by 2031 and the minimum wage to $15 by 2027.

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However, this bill does not address mandatory paid sick time. It’s another major concern among business owners.

Michigan’s restaurant owners have called and testified over how paying servers a higher minimum wage instead of the tipped wages servers want would cripple the state’s restaurants and bars.

The Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association (MRLA), which advocates on behalf of Michigan’s hospitality industry, has repeatedly told lawmakers that one in five restaurants would be forced to close under increased minimum wage.

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