The federal minimum wage for most workers is $7.25. Last raised in 2009 — 15 years ago, if you can believe it — that unlivable amount has become shorthand for how little Congress has done to help workers keep up with the rising cost of living over the years.
But the federal minimum for tipped workers — like restaurant servers — has been stuck at an abominably low $2.13 an hour for over 30 years. And though employers are supposed to cover the difference when tips don’t raise that amount to the regular minimum wage, noncompliance is common.
In state after state, workers have taken matters into their own hands, petitioning voters and lawmakers — often successfully — to raise their minimum wages. Now tipped workers are doing the same, as former server Helen H. Abraha explains this week, recounting her own story of working “on my feet for 10-12 hour shifts six days a week” yet feeling “constantly worried about money.” Don’t miss her op-ed this week!
Also this week, LeeAnn Hall explains how shifting federal highway funds toward transit would put more money in consumers’ pockets, whether you live in a city, town, or rural area. And Jim Hightower says we need to protect our public postal service from privatizers.
New This Week…
Restaurant Workers Deserve a Livable Wage, Too | Helen H. Abraha
The federal minimum wage for tipped workers hasn’t gone up in over 30 years. Workers in several states are taking on the industry to change that.
Fund Transit, Not Highways | LeeAnn Hall
Reducing the miles Americans have to drive would mean enormous savings, cleaner air, and more connected communities.
Don’t Let Privatizers Kill Our Postal Service | Jim Hightower
It’s not just a piece of our government they’re trying to eliminate — it’s the idea of America itself.
Cartoon: Gag Disorder | Khalil Bendib
Now imagine what the former president would say if he weren’t under a gag order.
In Case You Missed It…
A Bittersweet Arab American Heritage Month | Farrah Hassen
Our culture is worth celebrating. But amid the immense suffering in Gaza, it’s hard to feel celebratory.
Lawmakers Should Spend a Night in a Homeless Shelter | Tiffany Tagbo
Maybe then they’d drop their opposition to even modest tax credits for low-income people like the ones I work with.
Why Do My Groceries Cost So Much? | Sulma Arias
Giant corporations want to keep their taxes low and the prices we pay high. We can’t let them win.
Still Can’t Afford an EV? Here’s Why | Sonali Kolhatkar
EVs can quickly reduce our carbon footprint. But the tax credits are too complicated — and trade warriors are blocking cheaper Chinese models.
