ST. PAUL –Today, HF 1027, a bill to impose a tip penalty for Minnesota’s tipped workers, will be before the House for passage. In addition, an ALEC proposal, HF 1241, to block local minimum wage increases, and paid sick and family leave will be heard in the Jobs Committee. Rep. Ryan Winkler (DFL-Golden Valley) released the following statement:
“Despite a strong economy, many hardworking Minnesotans continue to fall behind due to flat wages. As a result, the legislature's priority should be expanding opportunity for all Minnesotans and increasing the economic security of workers. We should be building on the work of the minimum wage passed in 2014 by expanding sick and family leave, requiring more predicable work schedules, and creating higher-quality jobs. Passing bills to freeze the wages of waitresses and waiters will not make our economy stronger.
“Republicans were elected on campaign promises of supporting the middle class and improving our economy. So far their main objectives have been to reduce wages for workers, put corporate insiders first, and block efforts to increase campaign finance disclosure and funding for long term care for seniors. Our focus should be improving opportunity for everybody—not just an elite few.”
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