Some Washington, D.C. employees will receive higher wages in May (includes video story)

This past November, Washington D.C. voters approved Initiative 82, increasing tipped employees’ minimum wage. Bars, restaurants, and salons will need to adjust their budgets to ensure their employees are paid the district minimum wage of $16.10 by 2027. 

The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington believes Initiative 82 will cause restaurants to layoff employees, and raise menu prices. Local resident Zachary Rene believes otherwise. 

It’s probably a good thing and I think it’s probably long overdue anyways,” said Rene. “I definitely think people will still support the businesses and also tip on top of a livable fair wage.”

Congress has the final say on whether this law will be implemented. However, it is expected that it will pass. Starting May 1, wage before tips will increase from $5.35 to $6.

Sabrina Beguiristain is a Florida International University student majoring in digital journalism. She is passionate about both visual and auditory media such as broadcasting and podcasts. In the near future, Sabrina hopes to produce creative forms of news to emphasize events and stories that should be shared.