DETROIT—The Restaurant Opportunities Center (ROC) of Michigan, on behalf of the restaurant workers that it serves across the state, released the following statements:

“Today is an important day to remember. The Michigan Supreme Court’s decision to raise the state minimum wage to $13.66 an hour is a resounding victory for our efforts to restore the will of the people, for hardworking workers and their families, for the Constitution and rule of law, and for all Michiganders who have never given up a moment to protect the integrity of our democracy. 

“This ruling is the answer to those who questioned our ability to build power, those who tried to intimidate us and suppress our rights and circumvent the law, and those who created doubts rather than build the hope of a better future. It has been a long time, but what we did on this day is truly a defining moment—change has finally come to our beloved state.

“This ruling is the answer to economic opportunities and job protections that every worker, every voter and every person—Black, white, Latino, Asian, gay and straight, binary and non-binary, Democrat and Republican, immigrants and Native Americans, young and senior—deserves. Together with our coalition partners and allies,  I am proud of what we have accomplished!” — Chris White, director, ROC Michigan

“This victory truly belongs to restaurant workers and other Michigan workers, like me, who mainly depend on our jobs and paychecks to make ends meet. By working for jobs that offer meager pay and yet continuing to contribute to the economic vibrancy of our state, our sacrifices have paid off. I have never been more hopeful than I am today that I will have a higher paycheck, better protection when I get sick, and a much brighter tomorrow.” — Roquesha Oneal, restaurant worker, Detroit, Michigan

“This win means the world to me! This will be told for generations, and its positive impact will certainly ripple through my and my children’s children. I hope I don’t have to fight anymore for every penny and work much longer hours to survive. I hope I don’t have to choose between my paycheck and my health. This is a great step to lift us out of poverty and reclaim the American Dream.” — Crystal Coleman, food service worker, Detroit, Michigan