Rep. Coffey Joins IRMA To Discuss Tipped Wages in Illinois

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Springfield, IL…A new law proposed in Illinois would change wages
for tipped workers across the state. Minimum wage would be mandated under the
new law, forcing restaurants to restructure their operations. State
Representative Mike Coffey (R-Springfield) joined business leaders and the Illinois Retail
Merchants Association (IRMA) to oppose the legislation, saying it would have a
negative impact on employees and business owners.

“This legislation would cause turmoil in the service industry, causing
job creators to cut good-paying positions and putting these businesses at risk
of closure," Rep. Coffey said. "Ultimately, consumers who are already
feeling the higher cost of living in this state will have to pay more to offset
the higher labor costs.”

HB 5345 amends the minimum wage law and would require all businesses who currently employ
tipped workers to compensate employees at $15 an hour, beginning in 2025. The legislation has so far failed to attract key support, as the witness slips filed on this bill show 564 opponents and just 37 proponents.

Rep. Coffey continued, "As I've traveled the district, employees
who have excelled at providing service to residents have asked me to stand up
and fight against this bill. They are concerned their take-home pay will
decrease and businesses will close their doors. We must do everything possible
to encourage businesses in this state to grow and not saddle them with
additional burdens."

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