spot_imgspot_img

Lawmakers want to end Wisconsin’s tipped minimum wage

(The Center Square) – There’s another push at the Wisconsin Capitol to end the state’s tipped-minimum wage.

Sen. Chirs Larson, D-Milwaukee, and Rep. Francesca Hong, D-Madison, introduced legislation to bring the minimum wage for bartenders, waiters and waitresses and other tipped workers up to at least $7.25 an-hour.

“People’s livelihoods shouldn’t depend on ‘maybe tonight is the night it pays off,” Larson told reporters at the statehouse.

“Economic stability and economic security is a right, whether you are a business owner or you are a worker,” Hong said. “There is dignity and value in restaurant industry and service work. And this bill is building on working toward that stability.”

Wisconsin law allows tipped workers to be paid either $2.13 an-hour or $2,33 an-hour, depending on their age.

Hong has long been an opponent of the state’s full minimum wage of $7.25 and introduced a similar minimum wage hike for tipped workers in 2021 as well.

“Wisconsin workers deserve dependable income, irrespective of tips,” she said.

Hong’s last attempt to end the tipped minimum wage didn’t go anywhere at the Capitol.

The thought is many tipped workers would rather make more in tips than rely on an hourly paycheck.

Larson, who said it’s been years since waited tables, said that’s a big ask.

“It’s nice to be able to have [tips] as a perk,” Larson said. “But the idea that we’re going to force people to rely on [tips] for their livelihood is fairly ridiculous.”

Seven states in the U.S., including Alaska, California, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Washington, don’t have tipped minimum wages at all.

Five other states, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee don’t have a state-based minimum wage altogether.

The federal minimum wage, which is the same as Wisconsin’s, is $7.25 an-hour for workers, and $2.13 an-hour for tipped employees.

DON’T MISS OUT

Be the first to know about the latest news, giveaways, events, and updates from The Black Chronicle!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

spot_imgspot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

Reactions mixed to ‘floating island of garbage’ in Pennsylvania

(The Center Square) – This election season’s traditional "October...

Helene: Infrastructure progress significant; 101 dead, 7 missing

(The Center Square) – Infrastructure progress is significant in...

Report: Nearly a third of Wisconsin hospitals losing money

(The Center Square) – Rising costs and rising salaries...

California’s carbon credit update could raise fuel costs by $162B through 2046

(The Center Square) - California lawmakers are demanding a...

VIDEO: Illinois officials encourage informing on ‘hate’ with new $5 million hotline

(The Center Square) – Illinois officials are encouraging residents...

Op-Ed: Could Tim Walz’s progressive education policies doom Harris?

Donald Trump currently holds a razor-thin 0.5% lead over...

Nearly 63M voters have already cast ballots

Nearly 63 million Americans have already cast ballots ahead...

More like this
Related

Texas purchases border properties to continue security, conservation efforts

(The Center Square) – The state of Texas has...

Reactions mixed to ‘floating island of garbage’ in Pennsylvania

(The Center Square) – This election season’s traditional "October...

Helene: Infrastructure progress significant; 101 dead, 7 missing

(The Center Square) – Infrastructure progress is significant in...

Report: Nearly a third of Wisconsin hospitals losing money

(The Center Square) – Rising costs and rising salaries...