Chop Wood, Carry Michigan

URGENT! Call the Governor and Senator Brinks to stop the amendment that weakens tipped wages!

Hey Michiganders, Happy Sunday!

This one may appear confusing because of how the special interests have been pushing their agenda for the National Restaurant Association which does NOT serve the people actually working as servers. So bear with me as I explain as succinctly as possible.

We’re in a battle over Michigan’s tipped minimum wage. In 2018, a ballot initiative to raise wages, phase out the tipped minimum wage, and require paid sick leave was adopted by the Republican-led legislature—only for them to later weaken it.

In 2024, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled this tactic unconstitutional and ordered the original measure reinstated, raising the minimum wage to $15 by 2028, eliminating the tipped wage by 2030, and implementing sick leave.

But now, a new bill—backed by Democratic leadership—keeps the tipped wage, raising it only to 60% of minimum wage. Many servers, misled by the National Restaurant Association, fear losing income, despite evidence from other states showing both wages and restaurant profits increase when tipped wages are eliminated.

This goes beyond Michigan—working people are losing faith in Democrats. If this compromise passes, it could cost us Senate and presidential aspirations.

Take action:
Call Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks: 517-373-1801
_"Hello, my name is ____ from ___. Servers deserve a reliable income. Please reject any compromise that weakens the court order to raise wages and eliminate the tipped minimum wage. Disregarding a court ruling is unconstitutional and harms workers."

Call Governor Whitmer: 517-373-3400
_"Hello, my name is ____ from ___. Please do not sign any amendment weakening the Supreme Court directive. Defying a court order is beneath you and damages trust in Democrats. Do what’s right for workers and the Constitution."

That’s it. Just two calls. But please call ASAP!

Thank you, thank you!

Jess and Andrea (Jess’s helper on the state newsletters)