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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Ryan Winkler (DFL)

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STATEMENT ON TIP CREDIT BILL: Focus should be on economic security for all Minnesotans –not reducing wages for some

Monday, February 23, 2015
ST. PAUL – Today, the Job Growth & Energy Affordability Policy and Finance Committee will take up HF 1027, a bill to create a tip penalty for minimum wage workers. Rep. Ryan Winkler (DFL – Golden Valley) released the following statement:
 
“Since the first phase of the minimum wage increase went into effect in August, Minnesota’s economy has continued to grow. Minnesota’s seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate dropped from 4.3% in August 2014 to 3.6% in December, well above the national average. The leisure and hospitality industry added 6,000 jobs in the same time frame.
 
“This growth occurred despite outcries from the GOP and hospitality industry lobbyists that many establishments wouldn’t be able to make it if we raised the minimum wage. Putting more money into the pockets of hardworking Minnesotans has had the reverse effect on the economy as was predicted by the GOP and their rich corporate backers, but for some reason they are still trying to cut big businesses a break at the expense of hard working Minnesotans.
 
“As our economy improves, we should be focusing on fostering opportunity and economic security for all –not picking winners and losers in certain industries who should make more or less money.”
 
Minnesota jobs numbers can be found at http://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.mn.htm.
 
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