We’re looking for opinions: Will people tip less if waiters earn more and food prices increase?

Tipped workers are earning less, customers are paying more, and thousands of Michigan jobs and businesses are at risk.

That’s what many Republican lawmakers and business owners are warning about if the state legislature doesn’t stop the upcoming minimum wage hike and tip credit elimination.

But supporters say raising the minimum wage to about $15 by 2028 and gradually raising the base pay of tipped workers to the standard minimum wage by 2029 would provide workers with more stability and a decent wage.

Related: Customers and workers will pay the price for lower wages for tipped workers, Michigan restaurant owners say

The state’s minimum wage is currently $10.33 per hour, with tipped workers earning $3.93 per hour. Currently, restaurant owners cover the shortfall if tipped workers’ wages do not meet or exceed the minimum wage.

The changes to the minimum wage and tipped wages follow a July 31 ruling by the Michigan Supreme Court to reinstate two referendum initiatives originally passed by state lawmakers in 2018.

Related: How It Happened: Michigan’s Minimum Wage and Tipped Wage Will Change Drastically

Because initiatives to raise the minimum wage and eliminate the tip credit were passed by the Michigan Legislature, they were never put to a public vote.

After the initiatives passed, the Republican-controlled state Legislature killed them that same session. Lawmakers extended the timeline for raising the minimum wage and abandoned eliminating the tip credit altogether.

The Michigan Supreme Court ruled that the “adoption and amendment” action “violates the constitutionally guaranteed right of the people to propose and pass laws by legislative initiative,” Justice Elizabeth Welch wrote in the majority opinion.

The changes would go into effect on Feb. 21, 2025, if lawmakers don’t act. Next year, the minimum wage would be about $12.50, and the tipped wage would rise to about $6.

Democratic leaders, who hold majorities in the House and Senate, have not yet said whether they will stop, allow or reverse these sweeping changes.

Related: Democratic state leaders remain silent on minimum wage and tip changes after ruling

If menu prices go up because employees are paid more, will you change your eating habits? Will you tip less if you know employees earn the standard, basic minimum wage in addition to tips?

We want to hear from you.