1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

Eliminating the subminimum wage for tipped workers and establishing one fair wage is crucial for ensuring livable earnings and basic protections. The current system allows employers to pay tipped staff a mere $2.13 an hour federally, leaving them vulnerable to wage theft and sexual harassment from customers on whom their income depends. A base wage at minimum levels, with tips on top, would provide stability and dignity. The presidential candidates' focus on tips taxation misses the real issue - it's time to do away with the archaic subminimum tipped wage and enact fair, equitable pay practices benefiting all service workers equally. This commonsense reform is long overdue to uplift an essential workforce too often relegated to poverty wages. I urge you to advocate for one fair wage as a priority.