The National Restaurant Association has issued a statement regarding the 2024 national election results and a Massachusetts ballot measure related to the tip credit. Michelle Korsmo, President & CEO of the association, highlighted key concerns such as inflation, the cost of goods including restaurant meals, and preserving tips for employees.
Korsmo stated, “As individuals across the country were awaiting results of the headline races last night, we were focused on what voters had to say about issues like inflation, the price of goods – including restaurant meals – and preserving tips for employees. The message in the election was clear that voters shared those concerns.”
In Massachusetts, a proposal to eliminate the tip credit was rejected by voters. Korsmo remarked on this outcome: “In Massachusetts, voters overwhelmingly supported tipped employees and restaurant owners by rejecting a misguided proposal to eliminate the tip credit. The decisive vote in Massachusetts continues an unbroken streak for tipped employees and restaurant operators who have fought for their tipped wage.”
The restaurant industry plays a significant role in the U.S. economy with over 15.5 million employees and annual sales exceeding $1.1 trillion. Despite facing challenges over recent years due to rising costs in food and labor by more than thirty percent, efforts continue to engage policymakers from both political parties to support business vitality.
Korsmo also extended congratulations to President-elect Donald J. Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance along with newly elected members of Congress: “We congratulate President-elect Donald J. Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, and the newly elected members of the U.S. Senate and House. We look forward to working with members of both parties to advocate for policies that create an environment where restaurants can thrive as a cornerstone of our communities and our economy.”
