LANSING, Mich., Feb. 19, 2025 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 8 today to increase tipped wages to 50% of the minimum wage level over six years and raise the minimum wage to $15 over 3 years. Its passage comes just two days before the citizen-led ballot initiative on minimum wage and earned sick time is set to take effect. After voting in favor of the bill, state Rep. Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph) issued the following statement:
“I voted yes on Senate Bill 8 today because I believe it is a compromise that equally protects small businesses and workers. This is a decision I made after speaking with many business owners and workers in our Southwest Michigan community and hearing how the changes to tipped wages and earned sick time would directly affect them. They have been asking us to act on this issue, and it was important that we worked together with our colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the House and the Senate to reach this compromise as soon as possible. I will continue to listen to workers and business owners affected by these issues and advocate for their concerns in the Legislature.
Workers and small businesses are the backbone of our community, and we stand with them in solidarity, ensuring that we build a future that supports both their success and well-being.”
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