Trump and Harris Should Focus on Minimum Wage: Betsey Stevenson

Eliminating taxes on tips is an idea with bipartisan appeal, with both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris embracing it. But that is not the same as saying it is a good idea — and if the motivation is to improve wages and reduce income anxiety for low-paid workers, there is a far better way to do it.

Advocates for the policy say it would alleviate a financial burden on service workers, who are among the lowest-paid in the country. In 2023, the median weekly wage for tipped occupations was just $538, compared to $1,000 for non-tipped workers. These lower wages ...