Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) has once again taken a stand for the working class, this time targeting the $25,000 cap on the “no tax on tips” provision included in the Senate-passed version of President Trump’s “big, beautiful” spending and tax bill. In a passionate speech on Wednesday, the congresswoman highlighted the impact this cap would have on those who rely on tips as a significant portion of their income.
“As one of the only people in this body who has lived off of tips, I want to tell you a little bit about what that means,” Ocasio-Cortez began. She went on to share her own personal experience of working as a bartender and waitress, where tips were a crucial part of her income. She emphasized that for many workers in the service industry, tips are not just a bonus, but a necessary means of survival.
The “no tax on tips” provision, which was originally included in the House version of the bill, would have allowed workers to keep all of their tips without having to pay taxes on them. However, the Senate version of the bill includes a cap of $25,000, meaning that any tips earned above that amount would be subject to taxation. This would have a significant impact on workers who earn a substantial amount in tips, such as those in high-end restaurants or in the tourism industry.
Ocasio-Cortez pointed out that this cap would disproportionately affect women and people of color, who make up a large portion of the service industry workforce. She also highlighted the fact that many of these workers are already struggling to make ends meet, with the federal minimum wage for tipped workers remaining at a mere $2.13 per hour since 1991.
The congresswoman’s passionate plea for fair treatment of tipped workers struck a chord with many, as her own experience in the service industry gives her a unique understanding of the issue. She urged her fellow lawmakers to consider the impact of their decisions on the lives of hardworking Americans.
“I know firsthand the struggles of living off of tips and the fear of not making enough to pay the bills,” Ocasio-Cortez stated. “We cannot continue to ignore the needs of these workers and allow them to be left behind in the name of tax cuts for the wealthy.”
Her words were met with applause and support from her colleagues, as well as from workers’ rights advocates. Many have praised Ocasio-Cortez for using her platform to bring attention to this important issue and for standing up for the working class.
The “no tax on tips” provision was originally included in the House version of the bill as a way to protect workers’ rights and ensure fair treatment. However, the Senate’s decision to cap this provision at $25,000 is a clear indication that the needs of working Americans are not a priority for some lawmakers.
It is now up to the House and Senate to come to a compromise on the final version of the bill. Ocasio-Cortez’s powerful message serves as a reminder that the voices of working Americans must be heard and their rights protected.
In a time where income inequality is at an all-time high, it is crucial that we stand with those who are most vulnerable and fight for fair treatment and equal opportunities. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has once again proven herself to be a champion for the people, and we can only hope that her message will be heard and acted upon by those in power.
As we move forward, let us remember the words of Ocasio-Cortez and continue to advocate for the rights and well-being of all workers. Let us not forget the struggles of those who rely on tips to make a living and work towards a fair and just society for all.
