Sangamon Sun

Illinois State Representative Mike Coffey (R-Springfield) has joined forces with business leaders and the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) to address a proposed law that could potentially impact wages for tipped workers across the state. The new legislation, House Bill 5345, seeks to mandate a minimum wage for tipped workers, which would necessitate restaurants to reorganize their operations.

"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," expressed Rep. Coffey, emphasizing the potential negative consequences of the proposed law on both employees and business owners.

Rep. Coffey further pointed out, "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." The concerns raised by the Representative echo the sentiments of many in the service industry who fear the repercussions of the proposed changes.

The legislation, which aims to require all businesses currently employing tipped workers to compensate employees at $15 an hour starting in 2025, has faced significant opposition. Witness slips filed on the bill reveal a stark contrast, with 564 opponents compared to just 37 proponents, indicating the lack of widespread support for the proposed law.

Reflecting on the feedback received from constituents, Rep. Coffey shared, "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."

For those seeking further information, Rep. Coffey's office can be contacted at 217-782-0053 or coffey@ilhousegop.org. Representative Mike Coffey represents Illinois' 95th House District, encompassing parts of Sangamon County, including portions of the City of Springfield and Villages of Chatham and Rochester, as well as parts of Macon and Christian Counties. His family's involvement in the restaurant business since 1948 underscores his connection to the industry and the importance of the ongoing discussions surrounding tipped wages in Illinois.