Servers Stand with DFL-Endorsed Margaret Anderson Kelliher
ST. PAUL, MN – Twin Cities servers
stood with DFL-endorsed candidate for Governor Margaret Anderson Kelliher today
as she called for a long-overdue increase in the minimum wage. Kelliher’s
opponent Tom Emmer has proposed everything from tip penalties that could bring
server wages to as low as $2.13 an hour, to eliminating the minimum wage
altogether.
“Make no mistake: what Tom Emmer is proposing is no different than stealing tips off the table,” Kelliher said. “And if you think this tip penalty was just a slip of the tongue, think again. After serving with him in the legislature, I’ve come to expect this kind of extreme behavior from Tom Emmer.”
As Governor, Kelliher will increase the minimum wage – continuing work on legislation she passed with Rep. Tom Rukavina and Archbishop Harry Flynn in 2008.
Currently Minnesota has the 44th lowest minimum wage rate in the nation. Kelliher’s proposal will change that. Her plan would bring the state minimum wage to $7.65 for large employers (annual sales more than $625,000) and $6.75 for small employers (annual sales less than $625,000).
“My opponent Tom Emmer thinks hard-working Minnesotans serving tables are earning six-figure salaries,” Kelliher said. “I don’t have to go undercover to find out that isn’t true. Clearly Tom Emmer is out of touch with the challenges facing hard-working families struggling in this economy.”
Kelliher is standing up for hard-working people like Renee Kroeten – Minnesotans doing everything they can to support their families and build a better life for their children. Kroeten is a single mom in Plymouth working three jobs – including one as a server at a Twin Cities hotel. Kelliher’s proposal would increase Kroeten’s base wages, helping her support her two kids.
“Renee wants to send her son to college this fall,” said Kelliher. “As a working mom with two kids in public schools, I know how hard it is to save the money to give my kids the opportunity to succeed.
“In these difficult times we shouldn’t be cutting wages for middle-class families. That’s why as Governor I will fight for families like Renee’s – and I won’t rest until we get 208,000 Minnesotans back to work and finally raise the minimum wage.”