The idea, previously canned by Democrats as a “ploy” for votes, is being seen as an aggressive play for votes in Nevada, a critical swing state where service workers will be key.
But the surprise endorsement is also underscoring the feeling of uncertainty that many Democrats and progressive activists feel about where Harris is on major economic issues.
“Most people thought it was a silly idea when Trump did it,” Bob Borosage, co-director of Campaign for America’s Future, said.
“I think she just endorsed it to take it off the table. I don’t think it’s a serious thing,” he added.
Borosage said he and other progressives are more focused on the fight to raise the so-called cash wage, which he called a “subminimum wage,” that restaurant servers earn on an hourly basis. That level is below the statutory minimum wage earned by workers who don’t collect tips.
“The real question is the subminimum wage and whether you’re going to raise the subminimum wage and overcome the opposition of the restaurant lobby. And she’s for raising it and raising the minimum wage itself,” he said.
His comments come as Democratic lawmakers and advocates have also raised concerns about the substance of the proposal to shield tipped income from taxation, worrying it would leave out many lower- and middle-income workers who are just as deserving of tax relief but don’t work for tips.
The Hill’s Alex Bolton has it all here.
