Minnesota's GOP Votes to Reduce Minimum Wage

On Wednesday, the GOP-controlled House in Minnesota passed a new bill that would REDUCE the pay of people working in the hospitality industry who rely on tips for part of their income.

There was reason for Minnesota's restaurant servers and bartenders to rejoice last year when the legislature passed a law raising the minimum wage to $9.00/hour effective this August and $9.50/hour next year with no exceptions for tipped employees.  At the time that law passed, Democrats held the majority in both chambers of the legislature.  Not one Republican voted for the increase.

Minnesota State Representative
Pat Garofalo (R)

Now that Republicans have taken over control of the House, they are trying to nullify that raise before it becomes effective. Under the bill passed on Wednesday, restaurant owners would be able to pay their employees less if they make more than $4 an hour in tips. 

Representative Pat Garofalo (R), who sponsored the bill, said it was unfair for restaurant employees to get the raise and still be allowed to keep their tips. 

The bill also bans local municipalities and airports from raising the minimum wage above the state mandated minimum. 

eye'm thynkin':  Still believe Republicans care about income inequality? 

Thankfully, Minnesota's Senate and office of Governor are still in the hands of Democrats. 

Read more at: TwinCities.com