Lawmakers Debate Bill To Cut Minimum Wage For Tipped Employees
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minnesota House is debating a bill that could cut the minimum wage for some tipped employees.
The bill allows restaurants to pay servers a lower minimum wage if they make $12 an hour or more, including tips.
Supporters say paying a higher minimum wage could mean fewer workers in bars and restaurants.
"This is a reform that is going to need to take place," said Pat Garofalo (R-Farmington). "Otherwise, this fall we're going to see a lot of table service restaurants closing, or converting to casual or fast casual dining options, which are going to mean fewer tipped employees."
Minnesota's minimum wage is scheduled to go up next year to $9.50 an hour.
