OPINIONWorkforce

Trump's promise to end taxes on tips could put Democrats on their heels

Working Lunch: The effort may be more of a feint, but it's a visible test of the pro-labor party's true commitment to boosting worker incomes.

Donald Trump shot from the hip when he promised at a Las Vegas campaign rally to stop the federal government’s taxation of restaurant workers’ tips. But several prominent Republican senators are playing along, championing legislation that would actually put Trump’s pledge into practice.

With the federal government standing to lose up to $250 billion in tax revenues, the chances of movement on the bill are slim. Yet the significance may not hinge on passage. As this week’s episode of the Working Lunch government-affairs podcast reports, the move could be a test of how true Democrats’ support of labor might be.

Might it actually become an issue in the November elections? Give a listen for a look at politics at its rawest.

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Financing

The eatertainment business shows signs of wear

The Bottom Line: The food-and-games concept Chicago WhirlyBall filed for bankruptcy last week as companies like Dave & Buster’s and TopGolf show sales weakness.

Financing

This is why the restaurant business is in a value war right now

The Bottom Line: Same-store sales have slowed markedly for the past year as customers shifted to other options. And now operators are furiously working to get them back.

Financing

Saladworks-parent WOWorks is shopping for new brands to buy

The platform company is almost finished assimilating its existing six brands. Now it's time to add to the family, said CEO Kelly Roddy.

Trending

More from our partners